Abstract

International audience; This paper presents a general framework to assess urban rail logistics suitability via a socio-economic cost benefit analysis and demand catchment assessment. First, we examine the main background issues related to data production in urban logistics and the needs of examining the economic viability of future projects. Second, we present methodology proposed that combines a classical CBA framework with a freight catchment analysis framework. Third, as an example of application, we propose to assess freight tramway deployment scenarios in Paris, France. The results show the potential of including demand catchment analysis in CBA to identify the suitable demand introduction strategy. However, it seems important to contextualize them, such methods being used to support decisions and not to substitute decision maker.

Abstract

Introduction In Germany, the most recent comprehensive transport policy program of the federal government was published in the year 2000, followed by several sector specific programs. Aims, strategies, and priorities specified in the different governmental transport policy documents are discussed in the paper, with a particular focus on the modal split between road and rail. Apart from the fiscal and the regulatory framework, the most important policy area for the federal government is the provision of transport infrastructure. In 2016, the federal government enacted a new investment masterplan. Therefore, the experience with the former plan is described and key elements of the new masterplan are presented. The overall investment into transport infrastructure as well as the share of the different modes of transport are analyzed in more detail. Methods Germany’s transport policy is analyzed based on the aims, strategies, and priorities which are expressed in the published programs (text analysis). Data on modal split and user costs is used to assess transport policy developments. The infrastructure masterplans are analyzed based on the planned allocation of investment for different modes of transport and types of investment. Moreover, for the past masterplan actual budget data is used for the analysis. Results With respect to transport policy programs, a shift in the priorities can be observed, closely linked to the changing political majorities. Whereas the comprehensive program published in 2000 stresses the importance of a sustainable development and calls for a modal shift, more recent programs focus on the competitive situation of German transport service providers. Moreover, more emphasis is put on the implementation of specific measures. With respect to infrastructure provision, in particular investment into road infrastructure was below the planned values. The recently enacted plan allocates more funds to the maintenance and replacement of infrastructure, and to inland waterways. Conclusions Although the priorities set by the government in published transport policy programs have changed, the effects on the overall traffic development remain rather limited. With respect to the federal transport infrastructure masterplan, an overestimation of the number of projects which might be completed within the given timeframe has been criticized several times. Although the political progress is providing some incentives to include a high number of projects in the masterplan, a more realistic approach appears to be suitable, also signaling the need for a larger budget. In the past, budget increases have been the result of macroeconomic considerations rather than of transport policy requirements. It remains to be seen whether these deficits will be at least partially eliminated during the lifespan of the recently enacted masterplan. Document type: Article

Abstract

Decision Support System (DSS) has been developed to evaluate the technical and economical feasibility of CO2 storage in the subsurface. The DSS performs a detailed, stochastic analysis of the technical and economical aspects of a CCS project, which consists of any number of CO2 sources and sinks plus the connecting pipeline network. The DSS uses the database of CO2 emission points and storage locations in Europe that has been compiled in the EU Geocapacity project. The system is a combination of an internet application, which visualises the database and allows the user to select sources and sinks and create a pipeline network, and an application to be run on a local computer, which performs a stochastic analysis of the costs of a CO2 capture, transport and storage system. The DSS provides not only an estimate of the total CCS cost, but also an analysis of the elements in the CCS chain (capture, compression, transport and storage), enabling a feasibility analysis on several levels. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract

There is a growing market for electric vehicles (EVs) in recent years. Due to this, many studies on electric vehicles are in progress and research on charging operations for EVs are especially active. Recent research trends on electric vehicle routes rely on the stochastic modelling of various factors such as convenience of a user&rsquo s point of view, charging station (CS), location, destination, and so on. In this paper, a charging control scheme for electric vehicles is proposed from the point of view of the system operators rather than the user. From a user&rsquo s point of view, the EV route can be set up directly, but it is difficult for the system operator to directly participate in the route of the EV. In this paper, a method is proposed to indirectly change the route of the EV by changing the charging cost through real-time dynamic pricing, in order to prevent risks in the system operation due to voltage fluctuations in the system. With dynamic pricing, the voltage of the system is kept within a stable range, and the EV user sets the route with an economic benefit. The proposed scheme is verified through Dijkstra&rsquo s algorithm and a control strategy via a simulation model using MATLAB. Document type: Article