Trains belonging to Tokyu Railways in Tokyo, the capital of Japan, became fully renewable energy as of April 1. Trains running on the line, including the subway passing through the Shibuya intersection, known as the world's most crowded pedestrian crossing, started to get their power only from solar energy and other renewable energy.
Thus, Tokyu's seven train lines and a tram service have zeroed carbon dioxide emissions. All stations belonging to the company, including soft drink vending machines, security cameras and lighting, will now serve entirely with green energy.
Tokyu employs 3 personnel and is the first railway company in the country to connect the capital to Yokohama and realize this purpose in the country. The company says its carbon dioxide reduction is equivalent to the annual emissions of approximately 855 Japanese households.
Is the conversion real or advertising?
The technology used by Tokyu trains is among the most ecological options suitable for railways. The other two options are batteries and hydrogen power. So is Tokyu's transformation really in the right direction, or is it purely for advertising purposes?
Ryo Takagi, a professor at Koçakuin University and a specialist in electric railway systems, states that the answer to this question is not easy, and he attributes this to the fact that the evolution of train technology is complex and depends on some uncertain social factors.
Takagi states that Tokyu's efforts to support clean energy are on point, but argues that the real gain will come when diesel locomotives in rural areas run on hydrogen energy and gasoline vehicles run on electricity. (tr.euronews)
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