European train operator Eurostar says it plans to become the backbone of sustainable travel in Europe as it works towards its target of carrying 30 million passengers on entirely renewable energy by the end of the decade.

Eurostar, a leading European train operator, has announced an ambitious goal of attaining 100 pc renewable energy and lowering carbon emissions by 2030 to its target 30 million passengers.

The high-speed rail operator has a fleet of 51 trains, serving 28 destinations in Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

In a press statement detailing its first sustainability report, Eurostar says that its strategy focuses on three main areas. First on its agenda is reducing its impact by sourcing renewable energies for its traction needs and reducing its energy requirements.

For example, through its Memorandum of Understanding signed with Infrabel in February 2024 to study the installation of novel solar projects to power trains.

The statement adds that it also aims to integrate circularity throughout the value chain, i.e., from production to end-of-life, to minimise waste and use resources more efficiently.

Eurostar says that it also aims to attract more passengers to its low-carbon service by continuing to develop ‘open hubs’, to connect Eurostar services to domestic networks or long-haul flights, for example through its air-rail partnership with KLM.

The statement adds that one of Eurostar’s primary objectives is to work with partners and regulators in its quest to power its trains using 100 pc renewable energy by 2030.

“This is a deliberately ambitious target, Eurostar wants to use its brand and commitment to accelerate change across the sector. To achieve our goal, we work closely together with our partners in each of our markets, we encourage regulatory support for the rapid deployment of new renewable energy projects,” says Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave.

The statement adds that Eurostar recently joined the RE100 alliance with companies committed to sourcing 100 pc of their energy from renewable sources.

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

“We are 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 pc renewable electricity by 2030. We encourage other businesses in the rail sector to follow Eurostar’s lead and commit to 100 pc renewable electricity,” says Ollie Wilson, Head of RE100, Climate Group.

Currently, in the Netherlands, Eurostar trains have been running on 100 pc wind power since 2017, and this figure has reached 40 pc in the UK since 2023.