Eurostar is taking proactive steps to prepare for future extreme weather conditions by upgrading its new fleet of trains to withstand temperatures of up to 55 degrees Celsius. The international rail operator confirmed earlier this month that it had revised its order with French manufacturer Alstom, ensuring the air conditioning systems on its upcoming Celestia trains can cope with significantly higher heat than initially planned.
Last year, Eurostar announced a substantial investment of €2 billion (approximately £1.7 billion) for up to 50 new double-decker, all-electric trains. These 'Celestia' trains, designed from Alstom's Avelia Horizon platform, are intended to be 200 metres long and interoperable across the five countries currently served by Eurostar, with plans to extend services to Geneva and Frankfurt. The original specification for these trains included air conditioning capable of operating up to 45C.
The decision to upgrade the air conditioning to 55C capacity follows a series of intense heatwaves across Europe. France, for instance, recorded its highest-ever temperature last month, reaching 44.3C in Pissos, near Bordeaux. The UK also experienced a record-breaking June high of 37.7C. Eurostar's chief executive, Gwendoline Cazenave, emphasised the long-term vision behind this decision, stating that trains purchased today will be in service for 30 years, requiring preparedness for potential temperature increases into the 2060s.
A Eurostar spokesperson highlighted the necessity of this forward-thinking approach, noting that the new fleet is slated to enter service in 2031 and continue operating well into the 2060s. This strategic move aims to ensure reliability and passenger comfort even as climate patterns indicate a trend towards more frequent and severe heat events across the continent. While acknowledging the increased cost, the company believes it is a worthwhile investment for future resilience.
While specific regional breakdowns for the impact of this upgrade are not applicable to the trains themselves, the underlying Met Office data and warnings suggest a growing need for infrastructure resilience across the UK. Although the UK rarely experiences temperatures approaching 55C, the recent 37.7C recorded in June serves as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency of extreme heat events. This proactive measure by Eurostar reflects a broader trend among transport operators to adapt to the realities of climate change, safeguarding services and passenger safety across all routes, including those connecting England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland via international rail links.