Prospects for reducing GHG emissions

National strategic plans view the advance of railway transportation as a prerequisite for the country’s social and economic development and a key step towards decarbonisation of Russia’s transportation system.

The implementation of the new national project titled “Development of Transport Infrastructure” and the Long‑Term Development Programme of Russian Railways until 2035 is expected to lead to a rise in freight turnover to 3.8 tn tkm, which would entail increased fuel and energy consumption, as well as higher GHG emissions. Furthermore, the shift of cargo flows from more carbon‑intensive modes of transport to rail may serve as an additional factor driving up GHG emissions.

Alongside the anticipated growth in freight turnover, the Company will seek to increase reliance on low‑carbon energy sources and take further steps to improve energy saving and efficiency, ultimately reducing per unit GHG emissions.

• Traction energy:
  • large‑scale electrification of diesel‑driven railway sections;
  • transitioning to natural gas for autonomous locomotives;
  • creating experimental passenger trains using hydrogen fuel cells;
• Non-traction energy:
  • shutdown of fuel oil and coal boiler houses and transitioning to greener energy sources;
  • a wider use of renewable energy.

Energy efficiency and saving projects will enable the Company to reduce per unit electricity and diesel consumption in train traction, per unit energy and fuel consumption for heat supply in boiler houses, wear and tear of heating, water supply and disposal infrastructure, and losses in heat networks. An ongoing electrification of key routes in freight and passenger transportation will further increase the share of electricity and low‑carbon energy in the Company’s energy and fuel mix.