Japan lacks abundant fossil fuel resources; it imports large shares of its oil, gas, and coal. After the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011, many nuclear plants shut down, increasing dependence on fossil fuels. These factors pushed Japan to rethink how it powers its infrastructure, including its rail systems. Running trains on cleaner energy has become more than environmental ambition it’s a necessity for both energy security and reducing carbon emissions.
Tokyu Railways Leading the Way with Renewable Electricity
One of the most visible changes came from Tokyu Railways. Beginning April 1 year 2022, Tokyu switched its entire train network including seven train lines and one tram service running through Shibuya, Tokyo, and adjacent areas so that electricity used at stations, lighting, ticket gates, vending machines, security cameras, and electric equipment comes only from renewable sources like solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal.
This change makes Tokyu the first large operator in Japan whose stations and lines run fully on renewable electricity in daily operations. The company says it has eliminated the carbon dioxide emissions associated with those parts of its network. Tokyu estimates that its emissions reduction equals what 56,000 average Japanese households generate in a year.
Shifting Diesel Trains Toward Biofuels Practical Move
Not all segments can switch to electricity yet especially lines still using diesel trains. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism has proposed a plan starting in fiscal 2025 to gradually switch from diesel fuel to biofuels derived from sources such as euglena, used cooking oils, and other sustainable biomass.
Biofuels offer a near-term solution because many existing diesel-powered trains can use them without major modifications. Japan already began testing biofuel use on West Japan Railway’s Gantoku Line in Yamaguchi Prefecture. However, biofuel costs remain high, and securing a stable supply chain poses challenges for wider adoption.
High-Speed Rails Joining the Clean Energy Path
In addition to local lines and commuter networks, Japan is bringing renewable energy into its high-speed rail system, the Shinkansen. West Japan Railway Company JR West has committed to sourcing part of its Shinkansen electricity from renewable sources by 2027. The plan covers 10 percent of electricity used in its high-speed operations, and also includes using 100 percent renewable energy on certain local lines.
This move matters because Shinkansen trains consume enormous amounts of power. Shifting even a fraction of that demand to renewables translates into large carbon savings and signals a strong commitment to reducing emissions in heavy-energy sectors.
Barriers Cost, Supply, and Infrastructure Gaps
Japan faces several hurdles in scaling up renewable-powered rail transport. First, supplying enough renewable electricity and biofuel reliably remains difficult. Renewable generation, while growing, still makes up a smaller share of Japan’s total acompared to many countries. In 2023, renewable sources accounted for about 25 percent of Japan’s electricity output, including solar, hydro, biomass, and a very small percentage from wind.
Second, biofuels cost more than diesel and require certifications, supply chains, and regulation. Adjustments may also be needed for engine performance, maintenance, and fuel storage infrastructure. Third, changing power supply contracts and coordinating with utility providers to deliver renewable electricity to rail operators involves financial, regulatory, and logistical complexity.
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