The Ministry of Transport and Communications has prepared a draft roadmap for Finland’s goal of moving to carbon-free vehicle transport over the next decade.
The country’s long-term goal is to at least halve transport emissions from 2005 levels by 2030.
In 2005, road transport emissions were around 12.5 million tonnes of coal, and by 2030 the plan is to reduce emissions to 6.25 million tonnes.
The three-stage roadmap published by the Ministry on Friday is particularly relevant for road traffic, which accounts for the largest share of Finland’s total traffic emissions.
According to the Minister of Transport and Communications, the map sets the direction for the transition to zero emissions by 2045 Timo Harakka (SDP), which said it welcomed the roadmap.
"Transport plays an important role in achieving national emission reduction targets. We will start by supporting and encouraging businesses and citizens to use increasingly sustainable modes of transport," Magpie said in a ministry statement.
Upgrade vehicles, charging point infrastructure
The government is assessing whether additional measures are needed to halve emissions in the fall by 2030, according to Haraka. Such measures may include emissions trading schemes or increases in fuel taxes.
In October, the Ministerial Working Group stated that in order to achieve the emission targets, Finland must replace fuel-using vehicles with 700,000 electric vehicles and tax internal combustion engine vehicles at a higher rate.
The first phase roadmap aims to move away from fossil fuels by upgrading road transport vehicles and implementing energy efficiency strategies through subsidies and incentives.
In the first phase, it is also proposed to expand pedestrian and cycling infrastructure and to further support public transport initiatives.
The roadmap listed a number of objectives and strategies, including expanding distribution obligations for electric and biofuels, expanding public electric vehicle charging infrastructure, supporting housing companies and workplaces to set up electric vehicle charging stations, setting up charging stations for service stations and encouraging ride-sharing schemes.
Source: The Nordic Page