Tracing Back the Energy Use in Transportation Systems and Modes: An Energy-Balance Methodology for Turkey

Abstract

Transportation is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for nearly a quarter of the total. The sector heavily relies on fossil fuels, necessitating the development of effective mitigation policies. Monitoring total fuel consumption alone is insufficient because different transportation modes serve distinct travel segments and use various fuel types, requiring tailored mitigation actions. Additionally, transportation activity measured in vehicle-km travelled (VKT) can vary significantly within the same vehicle category, with low truck freight activity in short-haul and intense activity in long-haul. Fuel types are often shared across multiple transportation systems and modes, such as diesel usage in PCs, buses, and trains. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis framework is essential to track energy use in different modes, technologies, and travel segments. This study presents an approach for collecting and processing data to estimate travel demand and energy consumption in the transportation sector. Validation of energy consumption values is performed by comparing them to published total energy consumption values by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources. The estimation of total fuel consumption involves multiplying VKTs with assumed fuel consumption factors (FCFs) for each subsector. An iterative process is employed to balance the estimated and observed energy use, adjusting FCF and VKT values within acceptable ranges. This proposed approach serves as a foundation for future emission and energy models, providing detailed input to support national climate change action plans. It enables policymakers to develop effective strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector. © 2024 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.