Symposium 2024
Oslo, Norway
Background
As industrial activities expand and urbanization accelerates, the demand for off-road machinery in construction, agriculture, mining, and other sectors continues to rise. However, the environmental impact of conventional diesel-powered equipment remains a significant concern, contributing to air pollution and carbon emissions. In response to these challenges, there has been a growing global momentum towards the adoption of zero-emission off-road machinery powered by electric, hydrogen, or alternative fuels.
Goal
The ICCT, in collaboration with government partners worldwide, has embarked on a series of international symposiums dedicated to advancing the deployment of zero-emission off-road machinery. The 2024 symposium, the second in the series, united a comprehensive set of stakeholders with a common goal: advancing the adoption and proliferation of ultra-low or zero-emission equipment to combat climate change and drive sustainable development.
View symposium agenda 〉
LOCATION
Grand Hotel Oslo
Karl Johans gt. 31,
0159 Oslo, Norway
EVENT PARTNERS
The symposium drew a distinguished audience, including national- and city-level government autorities from Europe, China, and the U.S., alongside major European off-road machinery manufacturers, construction companies, operators, rental firms, industry associations, energy suppliers, academics, research institutes, and NGOs. Approximately 80 participants attended and delved deep into the multifaceted landscape of the burgeoning off-road market, exploring emerging technology trends, and identifying effective policy measures that incentivize sustainable practices. Through robust dialogue and knowledge exchange, the summit underscored a holistic approach to problem-solving, facilitated collaboration and catalyzed concerted actions toward a cleaner, greener future for off-road operations on a global scale.
Key takeaways from the event:
- Off-road decarbonization efforts are gaining momentum on a global scale, driven by market growth and heightened concerns surrounding air pollution and carbon emissions in this sector.
- Successful examples from regions worldwide showcase the effectiveness of policies and regulations with clear pollution reduction or climate mitigation goals, zero-emission targets, and timelines, along with financial leverage mechanisms. Norway, the Netherlands and California, are leading the way by investigating plans to phase out fossil fuel off-road machines and transition to emission-free equipment by 2035. Pilots, demonstrations, and incentive projects of zero-emission construction equipment are underway in various jurisdictions, such as California, New York, European and Chinese cities.
- Addressing critical infrastructure challenges, particularly ensuring a robust power supply, is crucial for promoting the zero-emission off-road fleet. Technology options, business models, and policy solutions must align to meet the demand, balancing capacity within power grid limitations and managing energy costs effectively.
- Establishing a multi-stakeholder collaboration mechanism involving government agencies, municipalities, major construction projects, large buyers, industry associations, and supply chain enterprises is paramount in expediting the transition to zero-emission off-road equipment within the rapidly globalizing market. Global mobilization is pivotal for success.
