HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson commits to powering the new highspeed trains with zero carbon energy supporting the net zero goal for 2035.
This will offer a greener alternative to long distance car journeys and domestic flights and supports the government’s target to tackle climate change by 2050.
The commitment will also form part of HS2 Ltd’s goal to make the project net zero carbon by 2035 by meeting its environmental targets.
HS2 aims to make its construction sites diesel-free and massively reduce its carbon emissions by using less steel and concrete in construction.
The HS2 Minister commented on the green commitments being made on the highspeed rail project.
Mr Stephenson said: “We know that the climate crisis demands urgent action.
“These commitments from HS2 are vital steps towards achieving cleaner UK travel.
“HS2 is a once-in-a-lifetime investment.
“We want to ensure the country’s biggest infrastructure project, supporting thousands of jobs and businesses, is underpinned by the Government’s ambitions for a greener transport and construction future.”
The Net Zero Carbon Plan set out by HS2 show how these carbon reduction milestones will be achieved.
The plan also shows how HS2 will support the decarbonisation of the UK construction sector and reduce HS2’s carbon footprint.
HS2 is collaborating with research organisations to quicken innovation in the creation of low carbon technologies like renewable energy and alternative fuels.
Mark Thurston, HS2 CEO spoke on the ways HS2 is looking to help tackle climate change.
Mr Thurston said: “HS2 Ltd is completely committed to reducing our carbon emissions as we design, build and operate the new railway.
“We’ve ensured that tackling climate change is an essential feature of all areas of our work.
“Allowing the project to build towards net zero from 2035.
“The new targets… demonstrate the significant role HS2 will play in addressing the climate challenge.
“Providing a low carbon, long-distance transport solution and leading the construction sector to drive down carbon emissions.”
HS2 Ltd aims to reduce its carbon emissions as much as possible from 2035.
Any emissions that cannot be eliminated will be made net zero by using carbon offsetting through natural or technological methods.
