Decarbonising UK Transport with Digital Twins

A research initiative is set to revolutionise the way the UK’s transport systems are decarbonised. Led by Heriot-Watt University and the University of Glasgow, the TransiT Hub will harness the power of digital twins to make the decarbonisation process faster, safer, and more cost-effective. Backed by £46 million in funding from the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and 67 industry partners, this innovative approach promises to transform how we design and manage transport systems.

What Are Digital Twins?

Digital twins are virtual models that replicate physical systems in real time. By using sensors embedded in infrastructure such as roads, railways, and shipping, digital twins collect real-world data that can be used to analyse and improve various scenarios. These models allow for rapid testing of solutions, with the digital twin feeding optimised processes back to the physical world almost instantaneously.

Applications in Decarbonising Transport

The TransiT Hub will explore how digital twins can be used to decarbonise different modes of transport, including road, rail, air, and maritime systems. By using digital replicas, researchers can test scenarios that improve traffic flow, reduce carbon emissions, and integrate new, cleaner technologies.

For instance, digital twins could help motorists avoid traffic jams by updating digital road signs with real-time information on the fastest, most fuel-efficient routes. Additionally, the technology will allow researchers to test parts of future decarbonised transport systems that do not yet exist, such as electric road systems and alternative fuels.

Key Benefits of Digital Twin Technology

1. Speeding Up Testing: Digital twins can rapidly simulate new transport technologies and identify the most efficient ways to implement them. This helps to reduce the time needed to test decarbonisation strategies, speeding up progress toward net zero.
2. Cost-Effective Solutions: By testing multiple scenarios in a virtual environment, researchers can identify the most cost-effective pathways to decarbonisation, saving money for both the public and private sectors.
3. Real-Time Optimisation: Digital twins can continuously update and improve processes in real time, making it easier to respond to traffic conditions, energy use, and other factors that affect carbon emissions.

The TransiT Hub is expected to play a crucial role in helping the UK meet its ambitious net zero carbon targets. By using digital twins to simulate and optimise transport systems, researchers can explore new technologies, reduce emissions, and find the most efficient routes to a more sustainable future. The insights gained from this project will be vital in shaping the future of transport, ensuring that decarbonisation is achieved as quickly, safely, and affordably as possible.