Exploring pathways to decarbonise South Australia’s mobility and public transport

The transition to a net-zero future presents both challenges and opportunities for South Australia, particularly in revolutionising mobility and public transport. 

A recent French-Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FACCI) panel discussion brought together industry leaders to explore these complexities, emphasising that successful decarbonisation requires more than just adopting new vehicle technologies—it demands holistic infrastructure planning, community engagement, and strategic policy frameworks. 

Power grids and hydrogen ecosystems 

A key takeaway from the discussion was that zero-emission transport solutions cannot succeed in isolation. Jorge Martin Gistau, Director of Energy Infrastructure Transition ANZ at Ricardo, underscored this, stating: 

“Considering power networks and the hydrogen ecosystem are essential when reviewing the potential implementation of the different net-zero technologies available in the market. When designing upgrades to our existing public transport networks, it is very important that we ensure the future state provides a more resilient and reliable service from a mobility perspective as well as from the power grid perspective. To achieve this, we might require a combination of different technology solutions that will provide more resilient and reliable networks.” 

Battery-electric transport depends on grid capacity, while hydrogen solutions require an entire supply chain—from production to refuelling stations. The optimal approach may involve hybridised systems, blending technologies to maximise efficiency and reliability. 

Left to right: Dr Tania Dey, Chris Stinchcombe, Jorge Martin Gistau and Anders Magnusson 

The need for a diverse decarbonisation toolkit 

Chris Stinchcombe, FACCI Councillor and General Manager at Keolis Downer Adelaide, emphasised the complexity of decarbonising mobility, noting: 

“Decarbonisation of mobility is complex in terms of the mix and variety of solutions available; battery electric and hydrogen fuel and traction solutions, green energy supply, mode shift from cars to PT and active transport, transition solutions such as hybrid retrofit and renewable diesel and biofuels used to extend the life existing assets, and economic policy to influence buyer choices. There is so much to discuss and opportunities to do so with leading practitioners is extremely valuable.” 

Diversity means that policymakers must avoid prescriptive mandates and instead adopt flexible, context-specific strategies. For example: 

Avoiding pitfalls through engagement with communities 

Technological and infrastructural changes alone will not guarantee success. Anders Magnusson, Partner at BDO Australia, stressed the human dimension of energy transitions: 

“It’s important to keep the ‘people’ aspects in mind. Transformation projects, such as renewable energy or transport, can be delayed or unsuccessful if the needs and motivations of the people involved are not properly considered. The views of local people should be understood early in project development to design win-win projects. Some investors have sophisticated needs that similarly warrant early attention in project development.” 

Community buy-in and investor confidence are just as critical as engineering solutions. Early engagement ensures that projects align with public needs, while stable policy frameworks attract the necessary capital. 

Collaboration as a catalyst for innovation 

Florence Master, Head of FACCI South Australia, highlighted the value of cross-industry dialogue, stating: 

“Bringing experts together to discuss mobility decarbonisation solutions, unpacking the complexities and nuances of the multiple industries involved and inviting thought leadership on this topic is as rewarding as it is value adding to the transition to a sustainable mobility future.” 

Ricardo’s presence in Adelaide, supported by global expertise, exemplifies how local implementation benefits from international insights. As Jorge Martin Gistau noted: 

“The Ricardo team in Adelaide is supported by a network of professionals that are exposed to those new technologies and therefore, we can provide first-hand knowhow and experience.” 

The road ahead for South Australia 

Decarbonising transport in South Australia is not merely about swapping diesel for electric or hydrogen—it’s about reimagining the entire mobility ecosystem. Key steps include: 

By taking an integrated, adaptive approach, South Australia can position itself as a leader in sustainable mobility—delivering cleaner, more efficient transport while fostering economic growth and community resilience. 

The journey is complex, but with collaboration and innovation, a zero-emission future is within reach.