Decarbonizing trains
From sustainable alternatives to diesel-powered TER trains developed in partnership with some French regions, to the 97%-recyclable future TGV M, we’re innovating to decarbonize trains even more and accelerate the green transition in mobility.
More TERs, less CO₂
In partnership with French regional governments that oversee TER services, we’re developing alternatives to diesel propulsion through our Tech4Rail¹ and PlaneTER programmes.
Hybrid TERs
By replacing half of its diesel engines with battery modules, the hybrid TER cuts both fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by 20%. Between December 2023 and January 2025, the train successfully covered 60,000 km in the project’s partner regions: Occitanie, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Grand Est and Centre-Val de Loire.
Biofuel TERs
On the Paris–Granville line, 15 Régiolis trainsets operated in partnership with the Normandy region run on B100, a rapeseed-based biofuel produced entirely in France. Since entering commercial service, these trains have helped avoid several thousand tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
Battery TERs
The internal combustion engines on these trains have been replaced by batteries, turning them into fully electric trains. The trains are recharged via the overhead lines and through energy recovered during braking. The batteries enable them to run on non-electrified sections of the network. These trains have been operating in Occitanie and PACA since the summer of 2026.
Hydrogen TERs
The project’s partner regions—Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Grand Est, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Occitanie—have ordered 12 hydrogen-powered Régiolis H2 trainsets. The first units, currently undergoing testing, are expected to enter commercial service in mid-2027.
15
Régiolis trainsets on the Paris–Granville line are powered by biofuel
-30%
CO2 emissions in transport activities by 2030 (vs. 2015)
Zero
direct CO2 emissions from hydrogen-powered TERs
A 97%-recyclable, next-generation TGV
The new TGV M will enter commercial service in July 2026. It features groundbreaking innovations and is designed to consume 20% less energy compared with current high-speed trains.
The TGV with the lowest-ever carbon footprint
With its redesigned, more aerodynamic composite nose, this next-generation TGV is 20% more energy-efficient than previous generations. Its new technological advances will halve CO2 emissions compared with single-deck TGVs.
It is made with 25% recycled materials (around 100 tonnes) and is 97% recyclable, giving it the lowest carbon footprint in the high-speed train market.
50%
Less CO2 compared with single-deck TGVs
97%
recyclable materials
20%
less energy consumption, thanks to a new power system and more aerodynamic design