Reducing the CO₂ emissions and the energy dependence of a large city area with zero-emission vehicles and nuclear energy

Highlights: •The possibility of having a zero-emission car fleet in a large city area is studied. •Economical and health impacts are quantified. •Producing the electricity from NPPs leads to a carbon-free transport sector. -- Abstract: This paper aims to study the feasibility of implementing a strategic plan for a gradual introduction of zero-emission vehicles in the city of Madrid during 2014–2024. The study estimate the amount of emissions saved if the electrical energy needed for the vehicles is generated with nuclear power plants. The use of zero-emission vehicles could play an important role in reducing our dependence on oil and, therefore, changing the economy structure of the country. Therefore, as a representing city, Madrid's nowadays situation is studied. The city's vehicle fleet is first considered and classified. An average both daily and annually fuel consumption is made, in order to know the city's gasoline investment. Moreover, the health effects of air pollution, which is largely due to the city's vehicles, are statistically considered in order to analyze the economic impact of treating these effects. Furthermore, noise pollution and it's both direct and indirect consequences are studied. After having analyzed Madrid's situation, a comparison between some international cities and the Spanish capital is made, regarding their vehicle fleet and their environmental and economical consequences. European environmental policy and future criteria are exposed. Regarding the technical feasibility, two types of zero-emission technologies are considered, the battery-electric car and de hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCV). After having described the benefits and disadvantages of the use of zero-emission vehicles, a macroeconomic analysis is done in order to study the economic feasibility of the project. To do this, not only several economic variables, such as gross domestic product in the area, but also survey data, such as the average daily driving time are considered. Finally, a strategic plan for a gradual implementation of zero-emission vehicles in the city of Madrid is proposed, taking into account the quantity of emissions saved if the electrical energy needed is generated with nuclear power plants. In this plan, some policy actions are proposed for a gradual implementation. Policy actions such as special fees for those driving internal combustion engine vehicles, free parking for zero-emission vehicles or even a subsidized car replacement plan.