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In Japan's pursuit of carbon neutrality by 2050, train operators are making significant strides toward utilizing renewable energy sources. Currently, approximately 75% of the energy required for train operations is derived from thermal power generation. However, the transport ministry has set an ambitious goal to cut carbon dioxide emissions from the transport sector by approximately 50% by the end of the 2030s, a substantial reduction from the 11.77 million tons emitted in fiscal 2013.

One notable initiative is found in Tochigi Prefecture, where Utsunomiya Light Rail Co. operates green streetcars along a 14-kilometer route powered by electricity generated from a local biomass waste incineration plant and solar panels installed on residential homes. Although the energy demands are modest due to the route's short length, city official Atsushi Sugiura notes that the initiative could lead to a reduction of around 9,000 tons of CO2 annually when accounting for emission cuts from residents opting for trams over personal vehicles.

In Tokyo, the Setagaya line stands out as the first train service in Japan to operate entirely on renewable energy since 2019. Relying on hydroelectric and geothermal power, Tokyu Corp, which manages this line along with eight others in the Tokyo and Kanagawa regions, successfully transitioned to renewable energy by 2022. The company purchases electricity certified as generated from non-fossil fuel sources, which has allowed it to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 160,000 tons annually.

Despite the environmental imperative, the shift to green energy is not without its challenges. The cost of procuring renewable energy can be prohibitive for businesses with substantial electricity consumption, and maintaining a stable supply poses additional difficulties.

Tatsuya Yamashita, an official at Tokyu, acknowledges the financial burden of sourcing non-fossil fuel energy but emphasizes the effectiveness of this strategy in promoting their decarbonization efforts. The company is also exploring ways to extend the use of renewable energy beyond train operations.

Other major operators, including Hankyu Corp and Hanshin Electric Railway Co. in the Kansai region, as well as Keikyu Corp, which connects Tokyo's Haneda Airport to Yokohama, are also making progress in utilizing certified renewable electricity. As Japan's transport sector evolves, these initiatives reflect a broader commitment to sustainability and a proactive response to the pressing challenge of global warming.