Climate Policy Engagement Analysis
Climate Policy Engagement Overview: In 2021-23, Alstom had positive engagement with climate-related regulations. Alstom has positive top-line messaging on climate policy and supports a low-carbon modal shift to rail and the electrification of rail, alongside the expanded use of hydrogen.
Top-line Messaging on Climate Policy: Alstom communicated positive top-line messaging on climate change in 2021-23. In its June 2023 Policy Influence Transparency Document, Alstom expressed support for GHG emissions reductions in line with 1.5 degrees. Alstom supported the UK Government’s 2050 net-zero emissions target in a February 2022 consultation response. In its 2022 CDP response, Alstom stated support for the EU’s Fit for 55 package. Additionally, Alstom’s corporate webpage, accessed in August 2023, appeared supportive of the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Engagement with Climate-Related Regulations: In 2021-23, Alstom appeared supportive of a low-carbon modal shift to rail. For example, the November 2022 ‘The Role of Urban Rail in a Sustainable Africa’ report, commissioned by Alstom, advocated for pricing policies which reflect “the lower external costs of urban rail compared to motorized vehicles”. Alstom further supported a low-carbon modal shift in numerous press releases, including in June 2023 and July 2023. A January 2022 UK consultation response also supported a low-carbon modal shift.
In its 2021 CDP response, Alstom supported energy efficiency standards and incentives, alongside the European strategy for low-emissions mobility. This response also stated support for more ambitious targets under the EU Clean Fuels Directive. Furthermore, Alstom’s 2022 CDP response, stated support of the Energy Taxation Directive, the Smart and Sustainable Mobility Strategy and the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation.
Positioning on Energy Transition: In 2021-23, Alstom supported the decarbonization of transportation. Alstom’s January 2021 ‘The UK’s New Green Age’ Report, appeared supportive of a transition from diesel to electric railways alongside the development of green hydrogen, while also supporting blue hydrogen with clear conditions around Carbon Capture and Storage. The report further supported the development of high-speed rail. Similarly, a February 2023 press release, supported the electrification of railways alongside the expanded use of green hydrogen. A January 2022 UK consultation response, also expressed support for the electrification of rail and the development of renewable hydrogen. Alstom also frequently communicated support for the expanded use of hydrogen in rail, without a clear position on the decarbonization of hydrogen, including in a June 2021 press release.
Alstom’s April 2022 press release, appeared to support the development of a high-speed rail network, including the EU’s target to double high-speed rail traffic by 2030. Additionally, in an August 2021 tweet, Alstom supported the UK’s Hydrogen strategy.
Industry Association Governance: Alstom has disclosed a list of its industry associations in its ‘Leading Societies to a Low Carbon Future’ report, however it has not disclosed an account of its industry associations’ positions and engagement activities. Alstom does not appear to have disclosed a review of its industry associations memberships. Alstom’s CEO, Henri Poupart-Lafarge, is a member of the European Rail Supply Industry Association’s (UNIFE) presiding board, which is positively engaged with EU climate policy. Alstom is also a member of Hydrogen Europe, which actively supports the expanded use of hydrogen in the European energy mix.