Pathway for Integrated Development of Waterway Transportation and Energy in China

Abstract

Energy is vital for the survival and development of human society. Waterway transportation, as a significant component of the transportation industry, is one of major fields of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, the integrated development of waterway transportation and energy becomes a powerful measure against severe challenges such as resource shortage, climate change, and environmental pollution. This paper reviews the current energy consumption characteristics of waterway transportation in China in terms of ships and ports, and evaluates the evolution trend of energy demand of relevant main parts from the perspectives of energy supply, quality, and utilization mode. The technical assessment of the integrated development of waterway transportation and energy is conducted, including natural endowment analysis, energy application potential of infrastructure assets, and research and judgment on energy demand. Based on this, the development principles, ideas, and pathways of water way transportation and energy integration in China are proposed. Moreover, this paper proposes suggestions for promoting the integration of waterway transportation and energy in China from the aspects of policy, key technology, and personnel training, so as to provide a basic reference for cross-disciplinary research and high-quality development of the waterway transportation industry.

Keywords

• waterway transportation
• new energy
• low-carbon fuel
• zero-carbon fuel
• energy utilization mode
• transportation infrastructure；