In an exclusive interview with CGTN, Sun Yongcai, Chairman of CRRC and member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, emphasized that the low-carbon transition of rail transport is critical to achieving China’s sustainable development goals.
Sun highlighted the debut of China’s first hydrogen-powered urban train, independently developed by CRRC. In March 2024, the train successfully completed full-system and multi-scenario performance verification at a top speed of 160 km/h — a significant breakthrough in hydrogen rail technology. Powered by hydrogen fuel cells, the train emits only water vapor, significantly cutting carbon emissions and urban air pollution.
Local governments in Chengdu, Foshan, Qingdao, and Changchun have incorporated hydrogen rail development into their 14th Five-Year Plans, providing strong policy support for this green innovation.
CRRC has committed to a dual-carbon strategy, aiming for carbon-neutral operations by 2035 and full value-chain neutrality by 2050. The group has introduced low-carbon guidelines for suppliers and is driving green innovation across the entire rail manufacturing ecosystem.
In December 2024, CRRC’s Guangzhou Metro “Smart-Green” train was launched with 38 leading-edge technologies, achieving over 15% energy savings compared to conventional models. Enhancements such as noise-reducing airtight doors and air purification systems — recently adopted for the Chongqing Line 15 train — are designed to improve passenger comfort.
Driven by green and low-carbon innovation, China’s rail transit sector is rapidly evolving into a backbone of sustainable urban development and public well-being.
