“Getting rid of fossil fuels is part of the solution, but it’s not enough.” At least, this is the claim of scientist Albert Alonso i Villar (Terrasa, Barcelona, 1993) based on his experience. He is dedicated to researching solutions related to the decarbonisation of transport. He elaborates on this statement: “We need to define a lifestyle that is compatible with the biophysical limits of our planet, it’s that simple. We need to stop measuring things by GDP and look at other indicators that can be much more representative of societal well-being. We don’t have to wait for some amazing technology like hydrogen or nuclear fusion for that.” This brilliant scientist already sees it very clearly, even though he is likely only at the beginning of his career.
“His goal is to find the most efficient and economical way to move beyond fossil fuels in the heavy transport sector.”
Alonso i Villar graduated from the Autonomous University of Barcelona with a degree in Environmental Sciences and went on to obtain a master’s degree in engineering from Aalborg University in Denmark. He is currently researching the electrification of heavy-duty vehicles at the University of Reykjavik, Iceland. According to his experience, “the problem is not so much fossil fuels, but the absurd need for constant growth in our current economic system,” he emphasises. What’s more, even if tomorrow was 100% renewable and free of greenhouse gas emissions, “we would still have serious problems of pollution and overexploitation of resources,” he warns.
This scientist recently received the Young Talent Award from the International Transport Forum for his research into The potential of electrification for heavy-duty vehicles in adverse weather conditions. “The main conclusion was that the range of electric trucks can vary by up to 40% depending on weather and load conditions,” he explains. “Even so, most of the routes we looked at could be easily covered by an electric truck, especially if a brief 30-minute quick charge is included during the day,” he reveals.
Now his goal is to “find the most efficient and economical way to move beyond fossil fuels in the heavy road transport sector in Iceland.” This is something that could be extrapolated to the rest of the world. His findings suggest that battery electric trucks are the most viable option, although they have yet to assess the impact a 100% electric fleet would have on the national grid, he says.
“It is important for each country or region to take advantage of the local renewable resources at its disposal to increase energy security,” he insists. He gives several examples: “In Denmark, there is a lot of wind and the coastal waters are shallow, so offshore wind turbines make sense. In Iceland, there is abundant geothermal energy. Still, the most effective way would be to reduce energy demand and move towards a more sustainable and efficient consumption model.”
He has nothing but praise for his experience in Reykjavik, which has even allowed him to participate in a building decarbonisation project at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
“At the European level, rail remains the most efficient transport system, especially for long distances, so I hope that more investment will be directed towards it.”
But what progress can we expect in the short term? “Battery electric trucks show promising performance in terms of regional distribution (up to 200-300 km) and manage to reduce emissions in most contexts,” he responds. “Many companies have already made a strong commitment to integrating electric models into their fleet and this trend will continue to grow.”
Regarding the situation at the European level, he argues that “rail remains the most efficient transport system, especially over long distances, so I hope more investment will be directed towards it.” “Electric trucks could cover the last few kilometres to the final destination, without the need for enormous capacity batteries,” he suggests.
Overall, he believes that “preventive or more innovative measures could be put in place that are currently not being adopted.” “A good example,” he explains, “would be to rethink private transport and invest boldly in public transport or shared vehicle services.”
“What you buy and choose not to buy as an individual defines the world around you to some extent. And that can carry over into any decision you make.”
Speaking about what each of us can do as individuals, he says he recently heard on the podcast El Crític “that we live in a world that offers us surreal choices, such as buying yoghurt from a brand that openly contributes to the deforestation of the Amazon.” “What this suggests,” he concludes, “is that what you buy and choose not to buy defines the world around you to some extent. And that can carry over into any decision you make, whether it’s biking to work or reducing your consumption of carbon-intensive foods. And, of course, voting for political parties that are committed to sustainable development.”
“It is important that each country or region takes advantage of the local renewable resources at its disposal to increase energy security.”
Once he has completed his current research in Iceland, Albert Alonso i Villar hopes to work at the International Energy Agency. And to end on a positive note, he says: “I plan to return to Catalonia and continue my career there.” If all goes according to plan, as it surely will, he will be a talent who won’t join the ranks of those who, after studying in Spain and developing a brilliant career abroad, we lose to our country.
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