2030 Energy Strategy
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THE GNWT WILL REDUCE EMISSIONS FROM ROAD
TRANSPORTATION BY 10% ON A PER PERSON BASIS.
During our public engagement sessions, we heard
that, though it will be challenging in the NWT
context, the GNWT should address emissions from
the transportation sector. Large distances between
communities, and the distance from southern
markets, means that goods and people must travel
much farther than in most southern jurisdictions.
Distances and cold weather are challenges for
alternative fuel options such as electric vehicles and
biofuels. In general, to reduce costs and emissions
for transportation the following range of initiatives
are possible: drive less, use alternative modes of
transport such as cycling or public transit or less air
transport and more marine transport, use smaller
vehicles and more efficient electric or hybrid vehicles
for commuting, and use less GHG-intensive fuel
sources, such as renewable electricity.
In 2015, the transportation sector produced
approximately 915,000 tonnes of GHG, or
approximately 63% of total NWT emissions. Of the
total transportation emissions road transportation
accounted for 77% and aviation accounted for
12% of the total with the remaining generated by
railway and marine transport. Of the road vehicle
emissions heavy duty diesel equipment accounted
for 90%-mostly from large industry (off-road) and
transport trucks that bring us food, goods and fuel.
Small vehicles such as cars and light trucks were
responsible for 10% of road transportation emissions.
The GNWT is committing to reducing GHG emissions
from road transportation by 10% by 2030 over 2015
levels on a per person basis. With a population of
approximately 43,000 the per person emissions
from road transportation is 16.5 tonnes per person,
and a 10% reduction is 14.9 tonnes per person.
Figure 6: Emissions in the Transportation Sector
THIS GRAPHIC SHOWS THE BREAKDOWN OF GHG EMISSION BY TRANSPORTATION MODE AND FUEL TYPE.
INDUSTRIAL
DIESEL
HEAVY DUTY
DIESEL
AVIATION
OFF-ROAD
LIGHT
VEHICLES
RAILWAYS
& MARINE
Reducing emissions from aviation requires a national approach to efficiency and fuel standards. It is a
similar situation for road vehicle and marine fleet efficiency standards. The GNWT will advocate at the
national level for higher efficiency standards for road, air and marine transportation. The GNWT will lead by
example, making wise choices in the selection and operation of vehicles and heavy equipment, improving
efficiency of vessels and taking advantage of new technologies as it replaces and retrofits its marine fleet
and ferries.
Given this context, the GNWT is committed to the following activities to reach the emissions reduction
target for this sector:
•
Support community-based transportation initiatives that reduce emissions, such as active transport,
public transportation, and car sharing programs.
Lead by example, implementing fleet management for vehicles, heavy equipment and marine fleet.
Pilot a grant program for hybrid plugin electric-gasoline vehicles and charging stations for hydro
communities.
Support the installation of in-line auxiliary heaters for fleet vehicles and heavy duty vehicles to
reduce idling.View entire presentation