DARe team members were thrilled to host representatives from the INFUZE, FEVER, CLEETS, EDRC, and TransiT research hubs, which, like DARe, are funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
Whilst each research initiative has a different focus, their programmes intersect, connect, and overlap at crucial points and aspects related to transport decarbonisation, including designing future transport systems; secure and resilient electrification; user behaviour and change; clean, equitable, adaptable transport; energy demand management; accelerating transport decarbonisation; and climate change impacts.
Using future scenarios is crucial for anticipating potential challenges and opportunities, helping researchers to develop robust strategies and innovate effectively to ensure the UK’s systems and infrastructure are designed to withstand various future conditions.
Each scenario provides insights, guiding solutions and proactive measures, for example increased instances of extreme heat can lead to damage on railway lines, while windstorms can increase risk of damage to power lines, which could leave systems reliant on electricity stranded or cut off. Additionally, increased urbanisation could lead to greater demand on specific transport modes, or higher congestion and therefore poorer air quality in our cities.
The key difficulties in using future scenarios are determining which are the most likely and important, and the resources required to investigate multiple in a timely manner. The purpose of this workshop was to come together and discuss how the different UKRI-funded research initiatives could collaborate to develop a common approach to scenario development and exploration.
