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JR-West Group Zero Carbon 2050 long-term environmental goals
Understanding that our businesses emit a large amount of CO2 and responding to climate change—such as intensifying natural disasters, caused by global warming—are important management issues that must be addressed for the JR-West Group to continue doing business. In recognition of the need for the JR-West Group to be more active in addressing climate change, we have formulated the JR-West Group Zero Carbon 2050 long-term environmental goals. The goal for overall group CO2 emissions (scope 1 and 2, consolidated) has been set at net zero by 2050. As an intermediate goal, we have set an emissions reduction of 35% by fiscal 2026 and 50% by fiscal 2031 (against fiscal 2014). To achieve these goals and move towards a decarbonized society, besides decreasing fossil fuels in the mix of energy that we purchase, we will utilize energy efficiency in order to decrease the overall amount of energy we use, and we will replace conventional energy forms with renewable energy.
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Towards implementation of next-generation biodiesel
In fiscal 2023, JR-West began demonstration experiments as part of the Fiscal 2022 New Technology Development Challenges Program of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s Railway Technology Development and Adoption Promotion System. We are participating through joint technological development of seven JR companies and the Railway Technical Research Institute. This initiative aims to develop technologies towards using biodiesel to power trains. With the goal of having biodiesel power 100% of the JR-West’s diesel railcars, we will start trial operation on the San-in Line in fiscal 2024, continue with long-term trials in fiscal 2025, and implement biodiesel on public-use trains in fiscal 2026 - 2
Further energy savings
Saving energy is a crucial part of achieving carbon neutrality. Since train operation accounts for a large part of energy consumption, we are striving to reduce this by shifting to energy-efficient railcars. In the past several years, we have achieved dramatic energy savings with the introduction of such railcars as the 323 series (Osaka Loop Line, JR Yumesaki Line), 227 series (Wakayama Line, Manyo Mahoroba Line, Kinokuni Line), 271 series (Haruka express), and N700S Shinkansen (Sanyo Shinkansen). These trains incorporate SiC (silicon carbide) semiconductors, which achieve low power loss when turning on and off current in the VVVF inverter. In addition, we are making station facilities more energy efficient by, for example, installing high-efficiency equipment, designing buildings to utilize natural light, and using dimmable lighting
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Encouraging passenger modal shifts
To make Japan’s transport sector decarbonized, it is essential to reduce carbon emissions in the various modes of transport, and at the same time shift to railways and other low-carbon transport mechanisms. With this in mind, we are striving to achieve a passenger modal shift by, for example, making trains and other public transportation more convenient through MaaS apps, and publicizing the environmental friendliness of trains as transport modes within and between cities
To strengthen the appeal of the environmental superiority of railroads in urban and intercity transportation,We have created a common logo and slogan for the railroad industry.The entire railroad industry is united in promoting the environmental superiority of railroads.
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Utilizing renewable energy
We are in the process of using more electricity from renewable energy to operate trains. For example, this renewable energy will be provided through an off-site corporate PPA (power purchase agreement) to the Shinkansen, a high-speed railway that transports between cities and is JR-West’s key line, as well as the Osaka Loop Line and the JR Yumesaki Line, both of which will provide the main access to Expo 2025. The percentage of renewable energy will be increased in stages, with a fiscal 2028 target of renewable energy accounting for 10% of the Shinkansen’s operational power and 100% of the JR Loop Line’s and JR Yumesaki Line’s power.
For further information, please refer to the Integrated Report.
https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ir/library/annual-report/2023/