TRAINS on the 225km HS2 high-speed line from London to Birmingham and the West Midlands will be powered by sustainably sourced electricity from the first day of operation, the British government has confirmed.
This is part of a commitment to make the project carbon neutral from 2035, with targets in place for diesel-free construction sites and a 50% reduction in carbon emissions from the steel and concrete used to build the line by 2030 compared with 2021 levels.
The line is due to open in phases, with the first trains beginning operation between 2029 and 2033.
“HS2 is a once-in-a-lifetime investment, and we want to ensure the country’s biggest infrastructure project is underpinned by the government’s ambitions for a greener transport and construction future,” said HS2 minister Mr Andrew Stephenson.
HS2 plans to invest in innovation and form partnerships to speed up the reduction of emissions in its supply chain. HS2 is working with supply chain and research organisations to pilot and implement low carbon materials, alternative fuels, renewable energy and new construction methods through the HS2 Innovation programme.
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