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 systems (AC or DC), and the different typology of rolling stock (pantographs, i.e. head geometry and other electrical and mechanical characteristics). 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 2025

Throughout 2025, the EIM WG ENE, in collaboration with the CER ENE SG, has monitored, assessed and commented the latest TSI ENE revision that ERA and EC have published in 2023. The Application Guide was updated. Further improvements of the AG have been listed.
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. Especially on the passing of phase or system separation sections with newly built electric units with a maximum design speed lower than 250 km/h, a common position was extensively discussed.
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 (CR520).
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 (CR350), 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 standstill and very low speeds, including a link to a new Cenelec technical specification on interface requirements with charging infrastructure with dedicated contact line sections.
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.
EIM took part of ERA’s Ad hoc Group dealing with adjusting clauses of Energy Measurement Systems in LOC&PAS TSI and actively participated in the creation of additional studies 02 and 03 of ERA.

Outlook 2026

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 have been discussed.
EIM’s WG ENE will continue the collaboration with the CER SG ENE.
CENELEC WG 37 is adjusting the energy metering standard. This resulted in change requests to LOC&PAS TSI and possibly ENE TSI (already handled in an ad-hoc group organised by ERA). Also the on-ground handling of energy metering and traction energy settlement (IRS 90930) is under revision.
An ERA ad-hoc group with experts of ENE, LOC&PAS and CCS is revising NID_CTRACTION and verifying if all 15 elements are needed inside this ETCS-variable. Some data can be sent with e.g. M_VOLTAGE or M_CURRENT. Other data is only useful for a route compatibility check and is not needed to be sent in real-time towards a train.