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Intelligent drives and zero emissions

The good news: environmentally friendly drives are already widespread in municipal fleets, especially in sweepers and refuse collection vehicles. In addition to electric drives, fuel cells, natural gas and methane gas—for example, biogas or landfill gas—are in use. The less good news: there is still a lot of room for improvement, and the possibilities are far from exhausted. Find out at IFAT Munich how you can make your municipality fit for the future.

Municipal vehicles—in action against emissions

The general rule: the more alternative drives, the better for the environment—locally and worldwide. For example, switching to electric drives helps reduce emissions in cities. However, electric municipal vehicles that use green electricity or hydrogen also help reduce global emissions.

Room for improvement—plants put to the test

The fact that alternatives to previous methods are not only relevant for the vehicle fleet is shown by the new version of TA Luft from December 2021. In Germany, TA Luft regulates the reduction of air pollutants at plants requiring emission control approval and affects around 50,000 objects in Germany—including waste treatment plants, chemical factories, metal producers, cement plants and major food industry facilities. IFAT Munich will also be showcasing approaches to solving this issue.

Green hydrogen versus lithium-ion batteries

The main energy source of electromobility is batteries and accumulators containing lithium. Problem: their fire hazard when used improperly. However, the large number of materials used, which are often extracted at great expense, is also problematic for the environment. That is why green hydrogen is increasingly attracting the attention of politicians and institutions. In this context, a forecast by the German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water (DVGW):

“For climate protection targets to be achieved in a supply-secure manner and in the most socially acceptable way possible, the use of climate-neutral hydrogen will play a significant role in the individual municipalities. Using H2 via existing gas distribution networks allows for continued reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, can generate additional value locally, and results in the need to minimize cost increases for carbon-neutral housing.”

Keeping an eye on the Paris climate protection targets

The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research emphasizes the crucial significance of green hydrogen for achieving the Paris climate protection goals. Because H2 allows us to transform Germany's largest greenhouse gas emitters in a climate-friendly way and at the same time to strengthen Germany as a base for technology.

Hydrogen as the basis for synthetic fuels—in which areas can its use play a role? Wherever electrification is not yet possible, including air, long-distance, heavy-duty and ship traffic. This topic will be addressed at the world's leading trade fair for environmental technologies as well. We are looking forward to you!

Harnessing new driving forces: our expert lectures

  • Modern drive concepts for municipal machinery and vehicles
  • What is the fastest and most cost-effective way to get electric power into my fleet? Alternative drives in municipal waste management and city cleaning
  • German Technical Instructions on Air Quality Control 2021—well prepared?
  • Lithium-ion batteries: politics playing with fire Production and application of hydrogen from municipal waste