Istanbul, 22 November 2024 – The United Nations Development Programme’s Istanbul International Centre for Private Sector in Development (UNDP ICPSD) hosted a webinar to launch the UN’s inaugural report, Advancing Zero-Emissions Trucks and Green Ports, in light of COP29 in Azerbaijan, with the  objective to address decarbonization challenges in the transport sector and brought together a panel of global experts to discuss innovative solutions and critical policy recommendations.

The webinar sparked a dynamic and forward-looking dialogue among global experts, industry leaders, and policymakers, emphasizing the transformative potential of zero-emission trucks (ZETs) and green ports. The discussion showcased cutting-edge innovations in battery technology, strategic opportunities for integrating ZETs into logistics networks, and the role of ports as crucial hubs for early adoption. From breakthrough policy frameworks and innovative financing mechanisms to emerging green freight strategies in regions like Latin America, the event painted a compelling picture of a future where decarbonized transport systems drive both climate action and economic growth. The urgency and ambition expressed by panelists underscored the need for bold, collaborative efforts to overcome barriers and accelerate the shift to sustainable logistics worldwide.

Sahba Sobhani, Director of ICPSD, opened the discussion by highlighting the trucking industry’s significant contribution to global CO2 emissions—5% of total energy emissions in 2022. He emphasized the urgency of adopting zero-emission trucks (ZETs) and green port operations to strike a balance between climate action and economic growth. Sobhani underlined the importance of fostering public-private partnerships and leveraging innovative technologies to accelerate the transition.

Samin Sarraf Boshrouei, Research Fellow at ICPSD, outlined key barriers to ZET adoption. She emphasized infrastructure challenges, including the lack of reliable charging networks at transport hubs and ports, compounded by high costs associated with grid upgrades and land acquisition. She also highlighted operational issues, such as battery inefficiency in extreme weather, limited range, and reduced payload capacity. The high upfront costs of ZETs, coupled with uncertain residual values, present significant financial challenges, particularly for small and medium enterprises.

Johannes Sahmland-Bowling, Policy Coordinator at ICPSD, discussed the potential of ports as pivotal nodes for ZET deployment. He highlighted the role of vehicle-to-grid integration in enhancing grid stability and lowering operational costs. Sahmland-Bowling pointed to innovative financing models, such as blended finance and partial risk guarantees, as critical tools for de-risking investments and mobilizing private sector participation. He cited the Green Climate Fund’s $200 million allocation for EV financing in India as a replicable success model.

Wen Han, CEO of Windrose Electric Trucks, shared technological innovations aimed at addressing key ZET challenges. He showcased Windorse’s advancements in battery technology, enabling ranges of up to 670 kilometers on a single charge, and emphasized the importance of interoperability, with the company successfully testing compatibility with over 200 public chargers worldwide. By operating in high-traffic ports such as Antwerp and Shanghai, Windorse has demonstrated the efficiency of predictable and optimized logistics routes.

Bill Van Amburg, Global Strategic Advisor on Zero Emission Commercial Vehicles, emphasized the need for robust policy frameworks and market signals to drive the adoption of ZETs. He stressed the importance of government regulations, such as CO2 emission standards and vehicle sales mandates, in providing the certainty manufacturers and investors require. Van Amburg also highlighted the dual benefits of ZETs: reducing carbon emissions and improving urban air quality, especially in logistics hubs.

Sean Cooke of the United Nations Environment Programme drew attention to the strategic importance of ports, which already possess substantial grid infrastructure, making them ideal for early ZET adoption. He discussed how emerging green freight strategies in regions like Latin America are integrating ZETs into multimodal transport systems, transforming supply chains while achieving environmental benefits.

Ricardo García Coyne from CALSTART outlined financing solutions to address ZETs’ high upfront costs. He emphasized the role of zero-emission vehicle mandates, residual value guarantees, and collective procurement in reducing barriers to entry. García Coyne highlighted India’s successful bulk tender for 5,450 electric buses, which lowered costs by up to 27% compared to diesel alternatives, as an example of effective strategies that can be scaled globally.

In conclusion, Sahba Sobhani called on stakeholders to focus efforts on high-impact areas such as multimodal transport systems and collaborative financing. He emphasized that the success of ZETs and green ports depends on coordinated efforts across governments, industry, and development organizations.

The full report, Advancing Zero-Emissions Trucks and Green Ports, is available at https://www.undp.org/publications/advancing-zero-emission-trucks-and-green-ports.