The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) presented an interim report at an expert meeting to study decarbonization measures in the railroad sector, which was generally approved. Specific numerical targets for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions at stations and railroads will be formulated by the end of March 2023 (end of FY 2022). The cost burden required to achieve these targets, support for initial investment by railroad operators, and the taxation system will be discussed and reflected in the FY 2023 budget request, etc. In addition, a public-private council, the “Public-private platform for decarbonization of railroads,” consisting of railroad companies and renewable energy-related companies, will be established by the end of summer 2022.

Railroad companies have a lot of idle land and spaces including station buildings and rail tracks, as well as abandoned railway tracks and areas beside the railway tracks, which can be utilized as sites for PV and wind power generation. In addition to using the renewable energy power for station and railroad operations, the railroad companies will promote local production for local consumption and direct supply through regional cooperation, such as selling power to facilities along railroad lines, providing emergency power in the event of power outages, and cross-regional power transmission. In addition, the company plans to develop new types of railcars, including those equipped with fuel cells.

Among railroad companies in Japan, Tokyu Corporation became the first company to start 100% renewable electricity for operation of all of its railroad lines in April 2022. The Keikyu Group announced in June 2022 that it has formulated a target to become carbon neutral by 2050. Keikyu is switching to the use of renewable electricity at stations and on some of its railroad lines. With the support of the Japanese government, it is expected that decarbonization efforts will spread to the railroad sector hereafter.