GHG emissions

GRI 305–1, 305–2, 305–4

In 2024, Russian Railways reduced its total GHG emissions to 35.6 mt of СО2. Indirect energy‑related emissions make up more than half of the aggregate emissions in terms of mass. Their share reached 71.3% by 2024. GHG emissions, both direct and indirect, are consolidated at the operational level. The boundaries are set based on financial and operational control, taking into account the territorial principle.

GRI 305–5

In 2024, the reduction in GHG emissions from the implementation of the Company’s Environmental Strategy and Energy Strategy amounted to 530,593 t of CO2, comprising:

  • direct emissions of 205,902 t;
  • indirect emissions of 324,690 t.

The parameter of Russian Railways’ carbon intensity is a specific indicator of total direct and indirect emissions of greenhouse gases per unit of work performed (gross tkm). This indicator most accurately reflects the Company’s efforts related to low‑carbon development, as it does not depend on the volume of services provided.

In 2024, the carbon intensity of Russian Railways’ operations was at 76.43 kg of CO2 equilvalent / 10 thousand tonnes gross tkm. This was mostly driven by a high degree of electrification of Russian Railways’ infrastructure, with more than 51% of the total operating length of railways electrified.

GHG emissions per transportation volumes in 2019–2024, kg of CO2 equivalent / 10 thousand gross tkm
Direct and indirect energy‑related emissions in 2019–2024In accordance with Order No. 371 of the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment dated 27 May 2022, and Decree No. 707 of the Russian Government dated 20 April 2022, GHG emissions are calculated only for CO2., mt of СО2

The Company is implementing an Energy Savings and Energy Efficiency Programme. The following two areas make the most significant contribution:

  • improving the energy efficiency of transportation operations;
  • enhancing the efficiency of resource utilisation in stationary power generation.

These focus areas encompass approximately 130 initiatives that are contributing to improving traffic management, the condition of track infrastructure, increasing energy efficiency of heat generation, and more.

Other important contributors were efforts to improve energy efficiency and the performance of locomotives, processes and infrastructure facilities; and higher level of energy recovery on electric traction. Electrification of railway infrastructure reduced the volume of diesel‑powered operations on a number of railways. In 2024, Russian Railways completed electrification of new and existing tracks (second tracks on sections and additional tracks at stations) with a total length of 667.8 km.

By 2030, Russian Railways plans to electrify the Rtishchevo 1 – Kochetovka 1 section of the South‑Eastern Railway with an operational length of 262 km, and Volochaevka 2 – Komsomolsk‑Sortirovochny – Vanino of the Far Eastern Railway with an operational length of 820 km.

Shifting to new types of rolling stock is essential for reducing GHG emissions. To this end, Russian Railways purchases modern Russian‑made rolling stock with improved environmental performance. In 2024, the hybrid shunter EMKA2 featuring domestic lithium‑ion batteries and an asynchronous traction drive was certified and put into operation. The shunter will be used for road switching at passenger stations.

Alongside enhancing its traction fleet with new locomotive models, the Company is also pursuing projects to develop and introduce eco‑friendly traction rolling stock. These include initiatives to bring into service gas‑ and hydrogen‑powered rolling stock between 2027 and 2028.

Climate projects: first results and prospects

For two years, Russian Railways explored possibilities for implementing climate projects. The Company studied and assessed possibilities of both technology‑based approaches (implementing new technologies aimed at reducing or absorbing GHG emissions) and nature‑based solutions (enhancing CO2‑absorption capacities of various ecosystems).

We decided to implement a technological climate project to transition boilers from fuel oil to natural gas. The pilot project encompasses five boilers at stations in the Samara, Bryansk, Kursk and Kaluga Regions, and the Krasnodar Territory. The project was launched on 1 April 2023. Following the first stage completed on 30 September 2024, Russian Railways filed an application for carbon units and their registration in the Carbon Units Registry (one carbon unit is equivalent to one tonne of CO2 emissions). The work results were validated and verified, and on 6 February 2025, the Company received confirmation of emissions reduced by 17,906 t of CO2 equivalent.

The carbon units can potentially be used to cover the Company’s emissions quota as part of an experiment in the Sakhalin Region to bring the region to net zero. An Order of the Sakhalin Region Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development dated 27 September 2024 sets quotas for Russian Railways and other large GHG emitters. According to the quotas, these entities are supposed to gradually reduce GHG emissions starting 2024. The Company plans to have its first carbon offsetting exercise in 2025.

The ten‑year project will enable the Group to reduce about 91 kt of GHG emissions. It became an important stage in gaining practical experience and building competences required to take part in the carbon regulation process. The project also demonstrated potential for rolling out such initiatives within the Company and their integration in the national carbon market framework.

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