Eurostar sets ambitious goal of using 100% renewable energy by 2030, leading the railway sector towards sustainable travel.
- The train operator’s first sustainability report outlines strategies to minimise environmental impact while increasing passenger numbers.
- Eurostar is the first rail company to join the RE100 alliance, committed to renewable energy sourcing.
- A focus on reducing greenhouse emissions, achieving circularity, and promoting eco-friendly travel spearheads Eurostar’s strategy.
- By 2030, Eurostar aims to carry 30 million passengers annually with minimal environmental impact.
Eurostar has announced a bold objective to power all its trains using 100% renewable energy by 2030. This target reflects the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability and represents its ambition to lead the rail sector towards a greener future. By presenting its inaugural sustainability report, Eurostar has detailed the steps it intends to take to ensure minimal environmental footprint while simultaneously scaling up passenger capacity.
As part of its pioneering efforts, Eurostar has become the first rail company to join the prestigious RE100 alliance, which comprises businesses globally committed to sourcing their energy entirely from renewable sources. Ollie Wilson from RE100 applauded Eurostar’s initiative, recognising it as a global example and urging the wider rail industry to embrace similar commitments to renewable electricity.
The sustainability strategy of Eurostar is built on three key pillars. The first is the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through the adoption of renewable energy. Secondly, Eurostar aims to incorporate circularity into its operations, a move that involves reducing waste and optimising resource efficiency. Finally, the company seeks to enhance its appeal to environmentally conscious travellers by positioning its services as a sustainable option for international travel.
Eurostar has already implemented significant changes in its operations. In the Netherlands, its trains have been running on wind power since 2017, and similar efforts are underway in the UK, where 40% of the energy is sourced from renewable means since the previous year. A recent memorandum with Infrabel in Belgium aims to explore innovative solar projects for train power.
Highlighting the importance of rail in tackling climate change, Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave stated, ‘Today, the transport sector accounts for 25% of European greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable high-speed rail is crucial to solving a quarter of Europe’s climate problem.’ With the goal of transporting 30 million passengers yearly by 2030, Eurostar remains focused on growing its network while minimising its environmental impact.
Eurostar’s renewable energy initiative is a forward-thinking step towards sustainable international travel.
