A third round of grants for greening Japan's rail equipment is soliciting applicants. The programme is the Equipment Development Project for Greening Transport Systems (Network-type Low-carbonization Promotion Project in Railway Businesses). A general incorporated association is running the call after receiving a grant decision from the Ministry of the Environment under the ministry's CO2 emission reduction subsidy, in its regional public transport and decarbonization transition strand.
What the money buys
The stated aim is to cut rail-system CO2 by combining more energy-efficient vehicles with better use of the regenerative power that trains generate when they slow down. The notice says the project must reliably reduce energy-derived CO2 emissions.
Two categories are open. The first covers equipment that makes vehicles more energy-efficient, specifically refits of vehicles expected to deliver a CO2 reduction of 40% or more. The second covers advanced equipment and systems with a high CO2-saving effect, including facilities that make use of regenerative power.
Who can apply
Three groups qualify under the call.
- Operators holding a licence under Article 3 of the Railway Business Act (1986 Act No. 92).
- Operators holding a business charter under Article 3 of the Tramway Act (1921 Act No. 76).
- Businesses that supply the equipment to either type of operator through leasing or similar arrangements.
The lessor route means equipment suppliers, not only the railway companies themselves, can be applicants.
Timing and conditions
Projects should generally run no more than two fiscal years. A multi-year application must come with a cost breakdown separated by fiscal year and an implementation plan, and grant applications are then filed year by year. Work funded this year must be finished between the date of the grant decision and 28 February 2027.
The notice does not state the grant ceiling and refers applicants to the call guidelines for it. Application forms are available through the administering association's website, and the notice lists an association business-division contact.