Alstom: Sustainable Rail Future: Metro Train Emissions Slashed

Alstom Partners with Outokumpu to Slash Metro Train Emissions

In a move signaling a significant shift towards sustainable rail transport, Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has announced a landmark partnership with Outokumpu, a Finnish stainless steel producer. This collaboration will see Alstom utilizing Outokumpu’s Circle Green stainless steel, boasting a carbon footprint up to 93% lower than the global industry average, in the outer layer of its next-generation Metropolis metro trains. The first deliveries of the eco-friendly steel are slated for 2026. This initiative, a crucial part of Alstom’s broader sustainability strategy, aims to substantially reduce the emissions associated with the procurement of goods and services. The ‘Who’ is Alstom and Outokumpu; the ‘What’ is the use of low-emission steel; the ‘When’ is the scheduled delivery in 2026; the ‘Where’ is across Alstom’s global Metropolis projects; the ‘Why’ is to reduce CO₂ output; and the ‘How’ is through the use of high-recycled content and fossil-free electricity in steel production. This article will delve into the specifics of this partnership, its implications for the rail industry, and its potential to pave the way for further climate-conscious collaborations.

Sustainable Steel: A New Era in Rolling Stock Materials

The cornerstone of this partnership lies in Outokumpu’s Circle Green stainless steel. This innovative material is produced with a high proportion of recycled content and powered by fossil-free electricity, resulting in a dramatically reduced carbon footprint. This starkly contrasts with the conventional methods of stainless steel production, which are known for their significant greenhouse gas emissions. For Alstom, the adoption of Circle Green steel directly supports its commitment to reducing emissions from procured goods and services by 30% by 2030. This represents a pivotal step in achieving its broader sustainability targets. Alstom VP for Sustainability and CSR, Véronique Andriès, highlights the significance, stating that the use of lower-emission materials will contribute significantly to the reduction of their CO₂ output. This reflects a growing industry-wide recognition of the need to address the entire lifecycle of railway assets, from material sourcing to end-of-life.

Metropolis Trains: Driving the Green Transition in Urban Mobility

The integration of Circle Green steel will be in the Metropolis platform, Alstom’s globally recognized metro train model. These trains operate in major cities worldwide, including Paris, Singapore, and Barcelona. By incorporating sustainable materials, Alstom aims to further minimize the environmental footprint of its urban rail systems. The move coincides with the increasing global demand for sustainable transport infrastructure, as city planners and transit authorities seek ways to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality. This approach also responds to the growing pressure on rail manufacturers to address emissions across their entire value chains, including materials, manufacturing, and procurement. The selection of Metropolis trains shows Alstom’s commitment to integrating sustainability across its full product portfolio.

Strategic Impact: A Model for Climate-Conscious Collaboration

This partnership exemplifies a forward-thinking strategy for reducing the carbon footprint of the railway industry. For Outokumpu, the deal marks its largest-ever volume contract in the mobility sector, underscoring its commitment to decarbonizing heavy industry. Rolf Schencking, President of Outokumpu’s Advanced Materials business line, emphasized the company’s eagerness to support Alstom’s decarbonization journey. The collaboration goes beyond simply using a more sustainable material; it also highlights the importance of collaboration throughout the value chain. This is a crucial step, particularly given increasing environmental regulations and the focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria within the railway sector.

Industry Outlook: A Sustainable Future for Rail

This agreement between Alstom and Outokumpu represents a critical milestone in the evolution of sustainable rail transport. It underscores the growing importance of reducing emissions across the entire rail value chain, from material sourcing to manufacturing and beyond. By opting for materials with lower carbon footprints, Alstom is actively demonstrating its dedication to reducing its environmental impact. This partnership has the potential to trigger further collaborations between rail manufacturers and suppliers of eco-friendly materials. The industry is moving toward a future in which sustainability is a core business requirement, and that will bring new innovations in materials, design, and manufacturing processes. Furthermore, the focus on recycled content and fossil-free electricity highlights the industry’s growing interest in the circular economy, where materials are reused and remanufactured to minimize waste and emissions. As the demand for sustainable transport infrastructure continues to increase, this partnership will be a key case study for the industry’s transition to a greener future.

Company Summaries:

Alstom: Alstom is a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility solutions. With a presence in 70 countries and approximately 74,000 employees, Alstom designs, manufactures, and services a wide range of rolling stock, infrastructure, signaling, and digital mobility solutions. Their portfolio includes high-speed trains, metros, trams, and other railway systems, designed to address the evolving needs of passengers and operators worldwide. Alstom is committed to innovation and sustainability, aiming to provide environmentally friendly mobility solutions.

Outokumpu: Outokumpu is a global leader in stainless steel production. The company specializes in producing high-quality stainless steel for various industries, including construction, automotive, and process industries. The company is committed to sustainability, including producing stainless steel with lower carbon emissions and using recycled content.