Linking energy and transport models to support policy making

Energy is an essential input to the transport system and transport energy use is a major component of the overall energy demand. Transport currently accounts for nearly half of global oil consumption and is the only field to be almost exclusively based upon a sole primary energy source. A possible evolution might be based on more oil-independent vehicles, on a higher use of energy efficient transport modes, on the integration of them through Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS). The answer to this partially global problem can be found both in transport and energy planning as well as in the adoption of new industrial and ICT technologies. Both energy strategy makers and transport planners need supporting tools for a better assessment of the impact of possible alternative policies and to set realistic targets for the transport sector. The present paper presents a conceptual link between two families of models - energy and transport - and provides some preliminary results of integrated modelling exercises for the Italian case, which show the importance of accurate ICT based data exchange between the models and the relevance of the comparison of present and future policy implementations. •Energy use in transport is a major component of the overall energy demand.•Scenarios based on new and more efficient transport modes have to be explored.•Energy and transport planners need supporting tools for policy impact assessment.•This paper presents a conceptual link between energy and transport models.•Results on a case study show the importance of data exchange between the models.