Successful M2G (hybrid) Symposium in Kyoto
For the first time, the M2G team conducted the annual symposium as a hybrid variant in Kyoto (Japan) on the topic of “Mobility2Grid: Electrification of public transportation in Japan and Germany — Transition Process, Impacts and Risks”, together with partners from Kyoto University under the lead of Prof. Dr. Jan-Dirk Schmöcker’s Intelligent Transport System Lab. The scientific exchange was then continued in an in-depth workshop with colleagues from the Lab, having a thematic focus on bus simulations, TCO analyses and an introduction to scenario techniques.
By integrating scientific research in combination with practical experience from public transport companies (BVG in Berlin / Keihan in Kyoto-Osaka), we were able to successfully demonstrate the potentials and challenges of electrified public transport in Germany and Japan. Public transportation contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, but to a much lesser extent than private transport. Compared to a car, which emits 147 grams of CO2 per passenger kilometer, buses in Germany emit 80 grams on average, trams and subway trains 58 grams and long-distance trains 32 grams of CO2 per passenger kilometer (German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt — UBA), 2024). Despite having a better CO2 performance than private motorized transport, buses and trains powered by diesel or petrol also produce nitrogen oxides, particulates and noise.
Both Japan and Germany are working on technical, planning and political approaches to further decarbonize public transport. Our German-Japanese colloquium, which was held from the 7th-9th May 2024 at the renowned Kyoto University, shed light on both sides and developed initial strategies on how both countries can further cooperate and complement each other on a scientific-practical level.
Our discussions and knowledge exchange will make a major contribution to advancing the common goals towards sustainable and efficient public transport systems. Together with our partners in Kyoto and Nagoya, we will continue to deepen the exchange on topics related to the electrification of buses and micro mobility.
All presentations of our symposium can be found here.
