TER regional trains replace diesel with plant power
In a first for France, trains on the Paris-Granville line are running on B100 biofuel. If this pilot is successful, we could eliminate diesel and cut greenhouse gas emissions by around 60%.
Leaving diesel behind
Diesel still accounts for 61% of CO2 emissions from our TER regional trains running on non-electrified line. We’re working on battery, hydrogen and hybrid power alternatives, but we’re also rolling out a new solution—B100 biofuel.
15 Régiolis trainsets powered by Normandy-grown rapeseed
In April 2021, we launched a trial on the Paris-Granville line: 15 Régiolis trainsets entered commercial service using B100 biofuel made from 100% French-grown rapeseed1. The results are now in—and they are conclusive.
Through a partnership between the Normandy Region and SNCF Voyageurs, B100 grown locally has now replaced diesel fuel on the line. And on 5 July 2022, the Regional Council voted to continue using the biofuel.
35,000 t
of CO2e avoided since 2021 by using B100 on the Paris-Granville line
We’ve achieved
58%
of our 2015-2030 decarbonization target
By
2030
biofuels will help reduce Group emissions by one-third
No change to rolling stock
This innovation requires no changes to the power systems of trains designed to run on diesel fuel, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 60% to more than 75%. The biofuel used in place of diesel is produced from renewable organic sources rather than fossil fuels. As a result, depot staff can continue to handle the Régiolis trainsets in exactly the same way when they return from service.
About B100
B100 biofuel is renewable and certified sustainable, and it’s made exclusively from rapeseed grown and processed in France. Rapeseed is also used to make high-protein animal feed and vegetable oil. In 2020, it covered 1.1 million ha in France.
More trains, less CO₂
This is the aim of our ‘PlaneTER’ initiative to reduce our CO₂ emissions, even though diesel trains still account for 28 per cent of the kilometres travelled by our TER services. The plan involves energy efficiency and innovative trains: hybrid, hydrogen, biofuel and battery-powered.
Project milestones
