Early November 2024, Jorge Sierra, Market Analyst for North America at SGS INSPIRE attended the 3rd International Climate Webinar Series (ICWS) Workshop on U.S. Clean Mobility, which highlighted the initiatives shaping the future of clean transportation in the U.S. The event focused on the critical role of bringing together key public and private sectors to help achieve clean mobility by 2035.
Some of the workshop’s other distinguished speakers included Former U.S. Senator and Executive Director of the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition, Antoine Thompson; William Ellis, Vice President of Governmental Affairs at Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO); Andrew Debraggio, Senior Policy Advisor at the Office of the City Administrator in Washington, D.C.; and Paul Winters, Director of Public Affairs for Clean Fuels Alliance America. These speakers and other influential leaders provided critical perspectives on advancing clean transportation initiatives in the U.S.
Infrastructure and electrification
Participants highlighted the significant infrastructure costs associated with electrification, such as upgrading facilities and running new power lines to handle increased loads. In densely populated urban areas, deploying fast-charging corridors and managing the impact of the power grid are top priorities. School and transit buses were spotlighted as key sectors for electrification, with discussions focusing on addressing range anxiety, cost concerns and grant accessibility to facilitate transitions.
Clean/alternative fuels
SGS INSPIRE presented insights on clean and alternative fuels, such as e-fuels, as transitional solutions bridging fossil fuels and full electrification. E-fuels offer almost carbon-neutral, drop-in solutions for hard-to-electrify sectors like aviation, heavy-duty trucking, construction machinery and freight services that significantly impact urban centers.
Public awareness and partnerships
A recurring subject during the event was the need for increased communication efforts to educate industries and communities on clean mobility opportunities. Clarifying questions about costs, range anxiety and government incentives is important for increased adoption. The event also showcased the power of public-private partnerships in scaling clean technologies from pilot programs to their commercial stages, supported by strong funding mechanisms and government grants.