The Channel Tunnel is at the forefront of railway power supply technology and increases transport capacity
Deployment of the most powerful STATCOM-type device in the world in cooperation with GE
PARIS, February 01, 2023–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Regulatory News:
Getlink (Paris:GET) announces the connection of the world’s most powerful static synchronous compensator (using VSC technology) to its electric railway traction system, STATCOM, by Eurotunnel. The result of an investment of 45 million euros1 and 5 years of research, this technology, developed by GE and in collaboration with Eurostar, enables Eurotunnel to double the reactive compensation power in the Channel Tunnel and improves the stability of the electricity network, especially during peak periods..
Eurotunnel will be able to operate up to 16 state-of-the-art trains simultaneously in the Channel Tunnel, i.e. 1,000 trains per day, thus confirming its potential for the development of low-carbon cross-channel transport. STATCOM technology ensures the long-term performance of the Eurotunnel infrastructure and opens development prospects for the next generation of high-speed trains by facilitating access to cross-channel services.
Nicolas Brossier, Eurotunnel’s Director of Engineering and Projects, said: ” True to its pioneering spirit, the Channel Tunnel hosts the world’s largest STATCOM system in a rail environment. This state-of-the-art technology system increases the reliability and capacity of our infrastructure and provides our customers with optimal operational performance 24/7. “.
” It is important to provide a steady and constant flow of electricity to this vital connection. We are proud to work with valued customer Getlink to facilitate the successful upgrade of the Channel Tunnel’s traction network. This will enable millions of passengers to continue to travel safely and efficiently between the UK and France.”he said Johan Bindele, Grid Systems Integration Business Leader, GE Grid Solutions. ” GE’s STATCOM technology is the best solution to ensure power supply stability tunnel and help our customers navigate the complex environment they face today. »
for Amar Chaabi, Operations Director, Eurostar Group : ” Eurostar Group, a pioneer in high-speed rail transport in Europe, is proud to be part of this adventure that pushes the boundaries of cross-channel travel. By improving infrastructure efficiency and increasing the number of trains running through the tunnel, this new technological advance will support our ambitious target of transporting 30 million passengers a year through our network by 2030.. »
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About GE Grid Solutions:
Grid Solutions is GE’s Renewable Energy business and serves customers worldwide with more than 12,000 employees. Grid Solutions provides electrical and industrial solutions worldwide through equipment, systems and services to reliably and efficiently transport electricity from the point of generation to the end consumer. Grid Solutions is ready to meet the challenges of the energy transition by ensuring the safe and reliable connection of renewable and distributed energy resources to the grid. We are electrifying the world with advanced grid technologies and accelerating the energy transition. To learn more about GE Grid Solutions, visit: https://www.gegridsolutions.com
About Eurostar Group:
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The alliance project between Eurostar and Thalys, which began in September 2019, received the approval of the European Commission at the end of March 2022 and gave birth to the holding company Eurostar Group on 1 May 2022.
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Eurostar Group is owned by SNCF Voyageurs, CDPQ (19.31%), SNCB (18.50%) and SNCF Voyages Developpement (55.75%), a subsidiary of Federated Hermes Infrastructure (6.44%).
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The holding is based in Brussels and owns 100% of the shares of Eurostar International Limited (Eurostar) and THI Factory SA (Thalys), which remain fully fledged railway companies and are headquartered in London and Brussels respectively. .
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The aim is to offer an attractive alternative to road and air transport and accelerate the modal shift from 19 million passengers carried in 2019 to 30 million within 10 years.
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The new entity will offer the largest international high-speed network in Western Europe and aims to implement an ambitious environmental policy in the coming years.
www.eurostar.com
About Getlink
Getlink SE (Euronext Paris: GET), through its subsidiary Eurotunnel, is the concessionaire of the Channel Tunnel infrastructure until 2086 and operates truck and passenger transport services (cars and coaches) between Folkestone (UK) and Calais (France). Eurotunnel is the fastest, safest, easiest and most environmentally friendly way to cross the English Channel. Since its opening in 1994, more than 476 million people and 98 million vehicles have passed through the Channel Tunnel. This unique land link, which sees 25% of trade between the Continent and the United Kingdom, has become a vital link enhanced by the ElecLink electrical connector installed in the Tunnel. Getlink complements its sustainable mobility services with its rail freight subsidiary Europorte, which offers a wide range of integrated rail transport services. Committed to “low-carbon” services that keep their environmental impact under control (the group avoids 2 million tons of CO2 equivalent through its activities2 per year), Getlink has put the place given to people, nature and places at the center of its concerns.
1 All project specific costs are included.
See the source version at businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230131006150/en/
contacts
Press contacts:
getlink :
Anne-Sophie de Faucigny: 06 46.01.52.86
Romain Dufour: 06.20.00.31.38
Eurostar Group
Juliet Clement
juliette.clement@eurostar.com
GE Grid Solutions
Allison Cohen
allison.J.cohen@ge.com
