Eurostar aims to power trains with 100% renewable energy by 2030

In its first sustainability report, the cross channel rail operator said trains in the Netherlands had been running on 100% wind power since 2017, a figure that reached 40% in the UK in 2023. In Belgium, an agreement was signed in February to study the installation of new solar technology power.  

"This is a deliberately ambitious target, Eurostar wants to use its brand and commitment to accelerate change across the sector," said Eurostar chief executive Gwendoline Cazenave. 

The company carried 18.6 million passengers in 2023 and is aiming for 30 million in 2030. Eurostar estimates a train journey from London to Paris cuts emissions compared to flying by 96%.

Eurostar has joined the RE100 alliance of companies committed to purchasing 100% of their energy from renewable sources.

"We’re proud to be the first rail company to join," added Cazenave. "Today, the transport sector accounts for 25% of European greenhouse gas emissions, making sustainable high-speed rail a key solution to a quarter of Europe’s climate problem.”

The train operator also plans to develop more "open hubs", to connect Eurostar services to domestic networks or long-haul flights, such as its air-rail partnership with KLM. 

Ollie Wilson, head of RE100 Climate Group added: “We’re delighted to welcome Eurostar to RE100, the first rail firm to join. Eurostar is setting a global example and leading the way on renewables powering our rail networks. 

“Eurostar now has the opportunity to draw on a global network of over 400 companies as it works towards 30 million journeys a year powered by 100% renewable electricity by 2030. We encourage other businesses in the rail sector to follow Eurostar’s lead and commit to 100% renewable electricity.”