Energy
Objective
The electrification of the European railways is progressing with around half of the network already upgraded. However, the supply and modality of the use of energy in rail can have a huge impact on cross border traffic, notably because of the different electrification structures (AC or DC), and the different typology of rolling stock (pantograph head geometry). Rail Infrastructure Managers (IMs) invest in interoperability and energy efficiency according to the parameters set by the European Technical Specification for Interoperability (TSI) relating to the ‘energy’ subsystem of the rail system (Regulation (EU) No 1301/2014).
EIM in action
- EIM advocates an efficient, sustainable and cost-saving energy supply on the railway network.
- EIM’s WG “ENE” (energy) deals with the implementation of the energy legislation in the rail sector and the associated technical aspects.
- EIM also collaborates with other stakeholders to share information and to define joint positions.
- EIM is a member of ERA’s Topical Working Groups and Working Parties, that are responsible for the revision of the TSI ENE and corresponding Application Guide.
EIM actions in 2023
- Throughout 2023, the EIM WG “ENE”, in collaboration with the CER ENE SG, has monitored, assessed and commented the drafts of TSI ENE that ERA and EC have distributed within the framework of the TSI Revision Package of 2023. After finishing the revision, the Application Guide was updated accordingly.
- EIM has been investigating in collaboration with other rail organisations how some energy related functions can be automated. The aim is to simplify and support the train driver’s work so that the risk of damage to the contact line is reduced and to support various functions for increased energy efficiency in the energy system. Enquiries were made with the experts in charge of energy (ENE) and command-control signalling (CCS), which may be extended to those in charge of locomotives and passenger rolling stock (LOC&PAS). This investigation resulted in a position paper and possibly in change requests to deliverables of other organisations.
- EIM’s WG “ENE” took note of the answer of the European Commission on the ‘minimum track access package’ and additional services for power supply.
- EIM’s WG “ENE” further discussed with CER’s Steering Group ENE on electrical safety for third parties climbing on vehicles and approaching live overhead contact lines.
- EIM’s WG “ENE”, together with CER’s SG ENE, further discussed existing change requests (CRs) and wrote “new” CRs, both regarding clarifications and “open points” in the TSI within the energy area. Interfaces with rolling stock and operation were treated within Topical Working Groups and smaller Task Forces, e.g. on multiple pantograph operation and significance of renewal and upgrading for implementation plans.
- The Task force on battery trains, involving EIM and CER experts, drafted a proposal with suitable requirements in TSI Loc&Pas, to handle the additional risk introduced by the possibility of high charging currents of battery trains at very low speeds, including a link to a new Cenelec technical specification.
- EIM’s WG “ENE”, together with CER’s SG ENE, drafted a problem-need description and a proposal for improvement of the TSI Loc&Pas requirements and assessment of pantograph contact force, dynamic behaviour and quality of current collection on constituent and subsystem level. A change request will be written.
Outlook 2024
- EIM’s WG “ENE” will continue discussing the TSI change requests with ERA and THE EC. Comments on the EC-mandate for future revision of the TSIs will be discussed.
- EIM’s WG “ENE” will continue the collaboration with the CER SG ENE.
Application guide
Energy Efficiency
Objective
Since the end of summer 2021, energy prices started to rise rapidly. This situation has worsened following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. As a response, on 18th May 2022, the EC published two initiatives, i.e. “RepowerEU” and “Save Energy”, to reduce EU’s dependency from Russian fossil fuels and to speed up the transition to renewable sources.
These initiatives are of high relevance for the transport sector and fall within the framework of the implementation of the EC “Smart and Sustainability Mobility Strategy”, the EC proposal for a Regulation for an “Alternative Fuels Infrastructure in the EU” (AFIR) and on the deployment of innovative solutions for rolling stock and infrastructure powered by hydrogen or battery.
EIM in action
- EIM closely follows the debate of AFIR on EU level and provided relevant input to the EC and the EP.
- EIM monitors the evolution of the EU financing aspects related to the transition towards zero emission energy use.
- EIM is active in the System Pillar of Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking (ERJU) and in ERA where interoperability and safety aspects of the use of new energy sources are/will be discussed and agreed.
- EIM is also following the development of standards regarding hydrogen in the rail sector in the relevant standardisation bodies (SFR and CEN-CENELEC).
EIM actions in 2023
- EIM and CER addressed a joint letter to the ministers in charge of environment to foster a coherent use of the additional revenues from ETS 2 (new EU Emissions Trading System for buildings and road) in the interest of rail.
- EIM launched a query among all members on energy savings measures.
- EIM organised a bilateral exchange between its executive management and the executive management of EC DG MOVE on energy saving measures.
- EIM clarified with DG Competition the position of IMs as potential beneficiaries of State aid under the relevant EC “Temporary Framework” to alleviate the impact of higher energy prices following the sanctions of the EU against Russia.
- EIM produced an “energy toolbox” for its members, outlining the European context and the national measures on government and sector level to reduce energy consumption.
- EIM provided input to the position of the “Platform for Electromobility”, a lobby association of the main stakeholders involved in road, maritime and rail electrical mobility.
Outlook 2024
- EIM will continue to monitor the development related to energy and inform its members accordingly.