IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v16y2024i3p1211-d1330740.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Contribution to the Net-Zero Emissions Target from the Transport Sector through Electric Mobility—A Case of Kathmandu Valley

Author

Listed:
  • Salony Rajbhandari

    (National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba 305-8506, Japan)

  • Shubha Laxmi Shrestha

    (Alternative Energy Promotion Centre, Mid Baneshwor, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal)

  • Ramchandra Bhandari

    (Institute for Technology and Resources Management in the Tropics and Subtropics, TH Köln (University of Applied Sciences), Betzdorfer Strasse 2, 50679 Cologne, Germany)

  • Ajay Kumar Jha

    (Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, Tribhuvan University, Pulchowk, Lalitpur 44600, Nepal)

  • Hari Bahadur Darlami

    (Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, Tribhuvan University, Pulchowk, Lalitpur 44600, Nepal)

Abstract

Globally, the transportation sector stands as the third largest contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Nepal is no exception, relying entirely on imported petroleum products. The capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu Valley, with its unique bowl-shaped topography, faces major urban challenges including inadequate mobility and poor air quality. This paper aims to investigate the magnitude of GHG emissions from conventional vehicles within Kathmandu Valley and analyze the counter-role of electric mobility in creating a more livable city. This study conducted a primary survey to estimate transport energy consumption and mobility characteristics for the base year 2022. The Low Emission Analysis Platform (LEAP) served as the modeling tool to forecast energy consumption and quantify associated GHG emissions in three scenarios: business-as-usual (BAU), sustainable development (SD), and net-zero emission (NZE). Additionally, this study estimated co-benefits, focusing on local pollutant reductions. With the present trend of increasing urbanization, motorization, and development, GHG emissions from the transportation sector are projected to more than triple by 2050 in the BAU scenario. Widespread adoption of electric mobility in the SD scenario would achieve up to a 95% reduction in GHG emissions by 2050. The NZE scenario foresees complete electrification and hydrogen-based vehicles by 2045, achieving complete abatement of both GHG emissions and local pollutants. The SD and NZE scenarios will require, respectively, 64% and 84% less energy than the BAU scenario, along with 74% and 100% reductions in petroleum consumption by 2050. These reductions contribute to enhanced energy security and energy sustainability. Achieving the SD and NZE scenarios will require approximately 1048 GWh and 1390 GWh of additional electricity solely for Kathmandu Valley by 2050. This paper is expected to provide valuable insights for policy implementors, transport planners, and city administrators to develop effective action plans and policies aimed at improving pollution levels and making cities in developing countries more livable and sustainable.

Suggested Citation

  • Salony Rajbhandari & Shubha Laxmi Shrestha & Ramchandra Bhandari & Ajay Kumar Jha & Hari Bahadur Darlami, 2024. "Contribution to the Net-Zero Emissions Target from the Transport Sector through Electric Mobility—A Case of Kathmandu Valley," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-23, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:3:p:1211-:d:1330740
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/3/1211/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/3/1211/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Bijay B. Pradhan & Ram M. Shrestha & Bundit Limmeechokchai, 2020. "Achieving the Paris Agreement’s 2 degree target in Nepal: the potential role of a carbon tax," Climate Policy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 20(3), pages 387-404, March.
    2. Hong, Sungjun & Chung, Yanghon & Kim, Jongwook & Chun, Dongphil, 2016. "Analysis on the level of contribution to the national greenhouse gas reduction target in Korean transportation sector using LEAP model," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 549-559.
    3. Shrestha, Ram M. & Shakya, Shree Raj, 2012. "Benefits of low carbon development in a developing country: Case of Nepal," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 34(S3), pages 503-512.
    4. Malla, Sunil, 2014. "Assessment of mobility and its impact on energy use and air pollution in Nepal," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 69(C), pages 485-496.
    5. Monica Maduekwe & Uduak Akpan & Salisu Isihak, 2020. "Road Transport Energy Consumption and Vehicular Emissions in Lagos, Nigeria," Research Africa Network Working Papers 20/055, Research Africa Network (RAN).
    6. Xin Zou & Renfeng Wang & Guohui Hu & Zhuang Rong & Jiaxuan Li, 2022. "CO 2 Emissions Forecast and Emissions Peak Analysis in Shanxi Province, China: An Application of the LEAP Model," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-17, January.
    7. Rith, Monorom & Fillone, Alexis M. & Biona, Jose Bienvenido Manuel M., 2020. "Energy and environmental benefits and policy implications for private passenger vehicles in an emerging metropolis of Southeast Asia – A case study of Metro Manila," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 275(C).
    8. Shabbir, Rabia & Ahmad, Sheikh Saeed, 2010. "Monitoring urban transport air pollution and energy demand in Rawalpindi and Islamabad using leap model," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 35(5), pages 2323-2332.
    9. Nadia S. Ouedraogo, 2017. "Energy futures modelling for African countries: LEAP model application," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2017-56, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    10. Nadia S. Ouedraogo, 2017. "Energy futures modelling for African countries: LEAP model application," WIDER Working Paper Series 056, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Junjie Wang & Yuan Li & Yi Zhang, 2022. "Research on Carbon Emissions of Road Traffic in Chengdu City Based on a LEAP Model," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-15, May.
    2. Pedro Gerber Machado & Ana Carolina Rodrigues Teixeira & Flavia Mendes de Almeida Collaço & Adam Hawkes & Dominique Mouette, 2020. "Assessment of Greenhouse Gases and Pollutant Emissions in the Road Freight Transport Sector: A Case Study for São Paulo State, Brazil," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(20), pages 1-26, October.
    3. Muhammad Asim & Adnan Qamar & Ammara Kanwal & Ghulam Moeen Uddin & Muhammad Mujtaba Abbas & Muhammad Farooq & M. A. Kalam & Mohamed Mousa & Kiran Shahapurkar, 2022. "Opportunities and Challenges for Renewable Energy Utilization in Pakistan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-15, September.
    4. Vicente Sebastian Espinoza & Veronica Guayanlema & Javier Mart nez-G mez, 2018. "Energy Efficiency Plan Benefits in Ecuador: Long-range Energy Alternative Planning Model," International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, Econjournals, vol. 8(4), pages 52-54.
    5. Desire SEKANABO & Elias Nyandwi & Hakizimana Khan Jean de Dieu & Valerie M. Thomas, 2022. "The Relationship between GDP and Biomass Energy Per Capita in Sub-Saharan Africa," International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, Econjournals, vol. 12(4), pages 528-541, July.
    6. Tao Song & Xinling Zou & Nuo Wang & Danyang Zhang & Yuxiang Zhao & Erdan Wang, 2023. "Prediction of China’s Carbon Peak Attainment Pathway from Both Production-Side and Consumption-Side Perspectives," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-15, March.
    7. El-Sayed, Ahmed Hassan A. & Khalil, Adel & Yehia, Mohamed, 2023. "Modeling alternative scenarios for Egypt 2050 energy mix based on LEAP analysis," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 266(C).
    8. Shahid, Muhammad & Ullah, Kafait & Imran, Kashif & Masroor, Neha & Sajid, Muhammad Bilal, 2022. "Economic and environmental analysis of green transport penetration in Pakistan," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 166(C).
    9. Zhao, Jingjing & Heydari, Shahram & Forrest, Michael & Stevens, Alan & Preston, John, 2023. "Investigating correlates of personal and freight road transport energy consumption: A case study of England," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 112(C).
    10. Lei Tian & Zhe Ding & Yongxuan Wang & Haiyan Duan & Shuo Wang & Jie Tang & Xian’en Wang, 2016. "Analysis of the Driving Factors and Contributions to Carbon Emissions of Energy Consumption from the Perspective of the Peak Volume and Time Based on LEAP," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(6), pages 1-17, May.
    11. Chiriboga, Gonzalo & Chamba, Rommel & Garcia, Andrés & Heredia-Fonseca, Roberto & Montero- Calderón, Carolina & Carvajal C, Ghem, 2023. "Useful energy is a meaningful approach to building the decarbonization: A case of study of the Ecuadorian transport sector," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 132(C), pages 76-87.
    12. Jemni, Mohamed Ali & Kantchev, Gueorgui & Abid, Mohamed Salah, 2011. "Influence of intake manifold design on in-cylinder flow and engine performances in a bus diesel engine converted to LPG gas fuelled, using CFD analyses and experimental investigations," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 36(5), pages 2701-2715.
    13. Perwez, Usama & Sohail, Ahmed & Hassan, Syed Fahad & Zia, Usman, 2015. "The long-term forecast of Pakistan's electricity supply and demand: An application of long range energy alternatives planning," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 93(P2), pages 2423-2435.
    14. Du, Huibin & Li, Qun & Liu, Xi & Peng, Binbin & Southworth, Frank, 2021. "Costs and potentials of reducing CO2 emissions in China's transport sector: Findings from an energy system analysis," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 234(C).
    15. Ali, Ghaffar & Abbas, Sawaid & Mueen Qamer, Faisal, 2013. "How effectively low carbon society development models contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation action plans in Asia," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 26(C), pages 632-638.
    16. Sovacool, Benjamin K. & Daniels, Chux & AbdulRafiu, Abbas, 2022. "Transitioning to electrified, automated and shared mobility in an African context: A comparative review of Johannesburg, Kigali, Lagos and Nairobi," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 98(C).
    17. Zhang, Yingnan & Wu, Guanqi & Zhang, Bin, 2025. "Costs and CO2 emissions of technological transformation in China's power industry: The impact of market regulation and assistive technologies," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 73(C), pages 211-222.
    18. Malla, Sunil, 2014. "Assessment of mobility and its impact on energy use and air pollution in Nepal," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 69(C), pages 485-496.
    19. Rubio-Varas, Mar & Muñoz-Delgado, Beatriz, 2017. "200 years diversifying the energy mix? Diversification paths of the energy baskets of European early comers vs. latecomers," Working Papers in Economic History 2017/01, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Spain), Department of Economic Analysis (Economic Theory and Economic History).
    20. Rith, Monorom & Fillone, Alexis M. & Biona, Jose Bienvenido Manuel M., 2020. "Energy and environmental benefits and policy implications for private passenger vehicles in an emerging metropolis of Southeast Asia – A case study of Metro Manila," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 275(C).

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:3:p:1211-:d:1330740. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.