By Erick García, Former Director of Hydrocarbons of the Ministry of Energy and Mines
With the recent announcement by the minister of Transport and Communications on the issuance of a supreme decree aimed at promoting the electromobility In public transport, an opportunity opens up to transform the vehicle fleet in the next five years. It is essential to prioritize the development of electric public transportation, not only because of its impact on the environment, but also because of the countless benefits to the quality of life of citizens.
This decree will not only include tax measures, currently under discussion in Congress, it also contemplates comprehensive public policies that facilitate the adoption of electric vehicles, specifically in public transportation, seeking to take advantage of Peru’s energy advantages to guarantee a successful transition towards sustainable transportation. , benefiting citizens and the environment.
We must remember that the economic activity of the energy sector that pollutes the most in our country is transportation, and in turn it has a direct impact on the national economy, especially every time fuel prices rise and is reflected in an increase in food, medicine and other materials. premiums that affect the family basket of all Peruvians.
Currently, we import 64% of the fuel used by the transportation sector and the only fuel we have and export is natural gas, which allows us to have competitive electricity rates and is up to 50% and 70% cheaper than diesel and electricity. gasoline, respectively. However, the fuel we use most in transportation is imported diesel and is used mainly in the public transportation and cargo sector.
This is why the announcement by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications is important, because it coincides with the current Energy Policy, which establishes that we must use available energy as a country and reduce emissions. In the case of transportation, public and freight transportation must be prioritized, which will reduce diesel consumption and increase the use of electromobility and natural gas.
The proposed initiative must consider the development of energy infrastructure for both electromobility and natural gas, which will allow electric vehicles for public transport and natural gas to operate with a minimal carbon footprint, contributing significantly to the country’s environmental objectives.
In the case of private transportation, gasoline consumption can be reduced by using hybrid vehicles, which do not need charging infrastructure, electric vehicles and conversions to natural gas without forgetting that quality public transportation is a right, and the use of electromobility and Natural gas will have an important economic impact, which is why we must promote it for the benefit of all Peruvians.
