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Original Articles

Transport in Developing Countries: Renewable Energy versus Energy Reduction?

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Pages 719-738 | Received 28 Jul 2004, Published online: 23 Feb 2007
 

Abstract

Transport consumes worldwide about one‐fifth of global primary energy and is thus responsible for similar amounts of greenhouse gas emissions. In the future, it can be expected that with an increasing transport demand in the rapidly growing economies of the developing world, the problems will be even more severe. This paper gives an overview on the developments in the South and discusses options for renewable sources of energy in transportation, which are expected to be solutions for oil shortages and greenhouse effects. However, the analysis shows that with a few exceptions in the near future, most of the proposed energy sources are not viable in economic and technical terms. Rising fuel prices will make biofuels competitive and provide opportunities for developing countries. Nevertheless, ‘traditional’ transport approaches, such as inspection and maintenance or rapid bus services can have strong impacts in developing countries.

Notes

2. A two seater, with very little space for baggage and a slow speed.

3. For example, a VW Lupo 3L TDI.

4. For example, a Daihatsu Cuore and an Opel Corsa Eco.

5. The Toyota Prius, which can be used as a family vehicle, consumes 4.3 litres and is, especially in urban areas, without competitors with respect to noise and emissions (due to the high efficiency of electric engines in urban transport).

6. GTZ (Citation2003b), Module 5a: Air Quality Management, p. 28.

7. GTZ (Citation2003b), Module 4b: Inspection & Maintenance and Roadworthiness.

8. GTZ (Citation2003b), Module 4c: Two‐ and Three‐wheelers.

9. Approximately 425 EJ in 2002.

10. Most of the information is given in GTZ (Citation2003b), Module 4a: Cleaner Fuels and Vehicle Technology.

11. National Biodiesel Board, USA. Available at: http://www.biodiesel.org

12. Data used are from Verkehr in Zahlen Citation2002/03.

13. For more information on bus rapid transit, see GTZ (Citation2003b), Module 3b.

14. For walking travel time, valuations are essential in order to estimate transport costs. Assuming an average load of 25 kg per person and a speed of 3 km/h, the transport of 1 tonne‐km requires 27 hours of travel time. Forty return trips covering 80 km have to be walked.

15. Kenworthy and Laube (Citation1999), cited in GTZ (Citation2003b), Module 2a: Land‐use Planning.

16. GTZ (Citation2003a).

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