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
These former dual-mode trains have had their thermal engines replaced with battery modules, making them fully electric. The batteries recharge under the catenaries and power the train on non-electrified sections of the network. They will operate in the French regions of Hauts-de-France, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Occitanie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.
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