Diagnosis of the energy situation in the transport sector
March 2024
In order to better understand the issue of sobriety and decarbonisation of transport, it is important to understand the energy consumption of transport in France: an overview.
Transport energy consumption
The transport sector accounts for 31% of energy consumption in France. In terms of energy consumption, 46% is made up of carbon-based fuels.
On average, consumption will fall by 0.4% between 2015 and 2019. In 2020, the traffic restrictions caused by the health crisis led to a significant drop in energy consumption (-16.9%), especially for passenger transport.
Nevertheless, mobility remains the transport category that consumes the most energy: in 2020, it will consume 20.6 million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe) out of a total of 37.6 Mtoe, or 54.8% of final consumption. The figures for previous years are similar (see figure below).
In 2020, petroleum fuels will account for the bulk of energy consumed in transport (98%). Road transport is by far the most oil-intensive mode of transport. In 2020, it will account for 93% of the oil consumed by all forms of transport. Individual road transport accounts for more than half (54%) of the oil consumed by all transport.
Modal split of journeys
Modal shares of mobility refer to the distribution or relative share of the different modes of transport used by individuals to travel in a given region. This makes it possible to quantify the use of different transport options such as the car, public transport, walking, cycling, etc.
Modal split can vary considerably from one region to another depending on many factors such as population density, available transport infrastructure, transport policies and individual preferences. Generally speaking, domestic passenger transport remains dominated by individual transport in private vehicles (85.3%), whose share has increased by 4.6% in 2020, possibly as a result of the health crisis. Similarly, the share of rail transport will fall sharply in 2020, representing 8.7% of passenger-kilometres. According to INSEE, in 2019, 62.8% of daily journeys will be made by car, 23.7% on foot, 9.1% by public transport and 2.7% by bicycle. Overall, the number of kilometres travelled by passengers has increased by 28% since 1990, while the average annual distance travelled per person has increased by 12%, all modes of transport combined.
Despite a reduction in its modal share in favour of so-called ‘soft’ alternatives (from 65% to 62.8% between 2008 and 2019), private car use remains predominant, which explains its massive contribution to emissions in France. This reduction in the modal share actually conceals an increase in the total distances travelled, as 41% of car journeys are less than five kilometres. Cultural reasons and regional characteristics may explain this phenomenon. So the car remains a major issue for local authorities in terms of working on mobility policies.
Modal shift, also known as modal transfer, refers to individuals changing their mode of transport choice, switching from one mode of transport to another to make their journeys. It is a process whereby people opt for more sustainable or alternative modes of transport, usually in order to reduce their environmental impact, gain efficiency or address other mobility-related concerns. This is an important aspect of decarbonisation policies, and can be encouraged through local mobility policies.