Decarbonisation 
of Transport

Discover more about the transformative projects that are driving innovation for sustainable urban living. Together, we are dedicated to leading the charge in decarbonising the transportation sector.

As the demand for eco-friendly solutions intensifies, our joint efforts combine cutting-edge technology, visionary strategies, and cross-sector partnerships to pioneer a future where mobility aligns seamlessly with environmental stewardship. Join us on this journey of exploration and discovery, as we showcase collaborative endeavours that are reshaping the landscape of transport, propelling us towards a more sustainable, connected, and carbon-neutral future.

Programmes

Zero Emission Road Freight

Connected Places Catapult is supporting Innovate UK and the Department for Transport with the zero emission HGV and infrastructure demonstration programme. The programme represents a £200 million investment by Government to accelerate battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell trucks and enable an evidenced-based approach to ensure the right technology, infrastructure and supply chains can be rolled out. Connected Places Catapult is focussed on safety aspects, infrastructure planning, standards and the investment landscape

Article / Zero-Emission Road Freight – What’s next?
Connected Places Catapult is working alongside Government, industry and academia to help accelerate the transition to zero-emission road freight. It’s been 18 months since we published our ‘Pathway for Long-Haul Heavy Goods Vehicles’ report. So, what has happened since, and what’s next?
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Article / Driving towards a greener lorry revolution
Opportunities and challenges associated with introducing battery electric or hydrogen fuel cell heavy goods vehicles were outlined at an event hosted by Connected Places Catapult.
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Programmes

Zero Emissions Flight Infrastructure

Electrification and Hydrogen

The UK Government is investing in the infrastructure upgrades required at UK airports to move to battery and hydrogen-powered aircraft.

A trailblazing collaboration on a programme of work between the Department for Transport and Connected Places Catapult, is a driving force in zero-emission freight transport. By seamlessly integrating hydrogen and electric technologies, this initiative sets a new standard for sustainable logistics, showcasing a visionary approach to reducing carbon emissions and advancing eco-friendly transportation solutions.

Programme / Preparing UK airports for zero emission aircraft
The UK Government is investing in the infrastructure upgrades required at UK airports to move to battery and hydrogen-powered aircraft. As part of this we are delivering the Zero Emission Flight Infrastructure (ZEFI) programme in collaboration with the Department for Transport.
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Report / Zero Emission Flight Infrastructure – Hydrogen Infrastructure Options for Airports
This report examines suitable infrastructure for different sizes of airports and airfields to support gaseous and liquid hydrogen-fuelled aircraft between 2030 and 2050.
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News / Blueprint for Zero Emission Flight Infrastructure
With the UK’s path towards a sustainable future resting on ambitious 2050 net-zero goals, aviation and airport infrastructure must evolve rapidly. 
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Podcast / Reimagining the future of aviation and airports
The Wright brothers first took to the air in 1903. That revolution started with the propeller engine. Only a few decades later the jet age began, and since then aviation has become an absolutely vital part of the global economy, as well as the lives of millions of people.
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Project / The tech leaders shaping the future of airspace
The time is ripe for the aerospace and technology sectors to collaborate towards a more integrated approach to alternative transportation and fuel options. And it’s an ideal opportunity to position the UK as a world leader in new aviation technology.
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Programmes

Decarbonising Rail Freight

Transitioning the movement of goods from road haulage to rail freight can contribute to lowering overall transport emissions. But is there more that can be done?

The Government is committed to supporting a growing and decarbonising rail freight sector and ultimately delivering a net zero transport system and railway by 2050, as set out in the Transport Decarbonisation Plan.

The Department for Transport and Connected Places Catapult seek to connect the market to spark innovation and accelerate the commercialisation of technologies that will allow the rail freight estate to achieve a net zero future.

Article / Minister joins innovators and investors to advance the future of freight
Guests to a roundtable convened by Connected Places Catapult highlighted the importance of harnessing the energy of smaller companies, and the success of the Freight Innovation Fund.
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Article / Focusing on freight for a fulfilling future
Tremendous opportunities exist in the world of freight and logistics for mid-career professionals and young people looking for a new and rewarding challenge.
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Explore our opportunities

DFT Opportunities
Report / Low Carbon for the Rail Freight Estate
Supporting UK industries and the Department for Transport to deliver cleaner, greener future mobility solutions and services is a key part of Connected Places Catapult’s work.
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Blog / Decarbonising the rail freight estate
Transitioning the movement of goods from road haulage to rail freight can contribute to lowering overall transport emissions. But is there more that can be done?
Read
Innovation imperatives
Industry Focus

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Connected Places Catapult is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England under company number 11837978. Its registered office is at 1 Sekforde Street, London, EC1R 0BE.​