Green transition and electrification of bus fleet - The case study of Aalborg with focus on PlusBUS project: The case study of Aalborg with focus on PlusBUS project
Translated title
Green transition and electrification of bus fleet - The case study of Aalborg with focus on PlusBUS project
Author
Yousefzadeh, Katayoun
Term
4. Term
Publication year
2020
Submitted on
2020-06-04
Pages
83
Abstract
Dette speciale undersøger, hvordan elektrificering af Aalborg Kommunes intercity-busflåde – med særligt fokus på BRT-linjen PlusBUS – kan understøtte den grønne omstilling. Projektets formål er at vurdere potentielle CO2-reduktioner, effekter på elnettet og centrale tekniske og institutionelle barrierer. Metodisk kombineres litteraturstudier, et begrænset antal ekspertinput (overvejende via e-mail som følge af COVID-19) og tekniske beregninger i Excel med energisystemsimuleringer i EnergyPLAN. Der opstilles og sammenlignes scenarier for 2016, 2022 (første elektrificeringsfase), 2023 (integration af PlusBUS), 2025, 2028 (lukning af Nordjyllandsværkets kul-CHP i Aalborg) og 2030 (fuldt elektrificeret busflåde). Analysen peger på, at direkte/batteribaseret elektrificering er den mest effektive vej til at reducere emissioner i vejtransporten. For at realisere gevinsterne kræves en borgerunderstøttet modal shift mod kollektiv trafik, energieffektivisering som førsteprioritet, og investeringer i vedvarende energi og smarte energisystemløsninger. Dertil anbefales reform af afgifter relateret til CO2 og elektricitet samt stærkere kommunal medindflydelse og konsistente nationale politikker, da målene ellers kan blive uopnåelige. Databegrænsninger under COVID-19 reducerede adgangen til interviews og skabte usikkerheder i nogle input, hvilket kan påvirke resultaternes præcision.
This thesis examines how electrifying Aalborg Municipality’s intercity bus fleet—focusing on the PlusBUS BRT line—can support the green transition. The study aims to estimate potential CO2 reductions, assess impacts on the electricity grid, and identify key technical and institutional barriers. Methods combine literature review, limited expert input (mostly via email due to COVID-19), and technical calculations in Excel with EnergyPLAN energy system simulations. Scenarios are developed for 2016, 2022 (initial electrification), 2023 (integration of PlusBUS), 2025, 2028 (closure of the North Jutland coal CHP plant in Aalborg), and 2030 (fully electrified bus fleet). Results indicate that direct, battery-based electrification is the most effective pathway to decarbonize road transport. Realizing these benefits requires a citizen-supported modal shift toward public transport, prioritizing energy efficiency, and investing in renewable energy and smart energy system solutions. The study also points to the need for reform of CO2 and electricity taxes and greater municipal involvement backed by coherent national policies, without which Denmark’s goals may be out of reach. COVID-19-related data constraints limited interviews and introduced uncertainties in some inputs, which may affect the precision of results.
[This summary has been generated with the help of AI directly from the project (PDF)]
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