Nexans and SNCF Réseau revolutionize rail safety with an innovative superconducting fault current limiter

Nexans and SNCF Réseau revolutionize rail safety with an innovative superconducting fault current limiter

_PRESS RELEASE_

•       Nexans and SNCF Réseau are once again joining forces in superconductivity to increase the safety and reliability of the rail network.

•       Developed by Nexans and installed by SNCF Réseau, the superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL) is a world first on the rail market. It limits disruptions to the power supply of the rail network using a standalone system to reduce short-circuit currents.

•       Designed to supply power for trains in the Belfort area (Burgundy-Franche-Comté region in France), this innovative limiter improves the availability of electrical installations.

Paris, June 27, 2024 - Nexans, a leader in the design and manufacture of cable systems and services, is forming a unique partnership with SNCF Réseau, infrastructure manager of the French rail network, to deploy a superconducting fault current limiter. This technological innovation will secure and optimize electric rail traction on the line between Belfort and Delle, including the cross-border link with Switzerland.

A revolutionary solution for a more efficient rail network

Railway power grids are under growing pressure, with the continuing expansion of rail traffic and the upgrades to equipment.  Power surges and short-circuits can cause major disruptions. To address this challenge, Nexans and SNCF Réseau have joined forces to deploy an innovative superconducting current limiter (SFCL).

Developed by Nexans, and integrated with the Bussurel substation, a strategic location identified by SNCF Réseau, the SFCL is able to reduce short-circuit currents in standalone mode, regenerating in less than five minutes, without human intervention.

This revolutionary technology offers several advantages:

•       Improved network reliability and safety. The SFCL acts as a shock absorber in the event of a problem, limiting current peaks and disruptions to the network when short circuits occur.

•       Optimized infrastructures. In the long term, the SFCL could pave the way for smaller electric traction installations, thereby cutting rail infrastructure costs, while supplying power for more trains.

•       Better service. The SFCL avoids the need for rail works that are inconvenient for users, providing an efficient, cost-effective solution with no impact on the traffic schedule.

A partnership to support the energy transition in rail transport

Faced with the need to modernize power grids and meet growing demands for energy, Nexans is positioning itself as a leader in the development of revolutionary superconductor technologies. These innovations will completely transform the electrification of transport and power distribution, paving the way for a more sustainable, high-performance energy future.

Nexans' vision is based on a network of interconnected superconductor systems, able to meet tomorrow's energy challenges. This ambition is reflected in iconic projects such as the superconducting fault current limiter deployed on the Belfort-Delle line, a milestone in the collaboration between the two players, as well as the SuperRail project, to power the Montparnasse-Vouillé substation with superconducting cables. These partnerships illustrate the commitment made by the two players to innovation and sustainable development. 

“We are proud to be working with SNCF Réseau on deploying this innovative solution to the rail industry. The fault current limiter developed by Nexans reflects our ongoing commitment to addressing technological challenges and contributing to the safety and reliability of the power grid. Every day, Nexans’ innovation teams take up the challenge of sustainable electrification, developing innovative solutions to support the growth of rail traffic”, says Jérôme Fournier, Corporate Vice President, Innovation, Services and Growth at Nexans. 

“This project is part of the innovation strategy implemented by SNCF Réseau to make rail transport more efficient and more sustainable. Through this partnership with Nexans, we are able to implement cuttingedge technological solutions for the benefit of our customers and the environment,” says Hervé Caron, Superconductor Technology Manager at SNCF Réseau.

Deployment of the superconducting fault current limiter is scheduled for late 2025. This project is a major step forward in rail electrification, paving  the way for further innovations to make transport safer, more reliable and more sustainable.

About Nexans

For over a century, Nexans has played a crucial role in the electrification of the planet. Today, it is committed to electrifying the future. With approximately 28 500 people in 41 countries, the Group is paving the way towards a new world of safe, sustainable and decarbonized electricity, accessible to everyone. In 2023, Nexans generated 6.5 billion euros in standard sales. The Group is a leader in the design and manufacture of cable systems and services across four main business areas: Power Generation & Transmission, Distribution, Usage and Industry & Solutions. Nexans was the first player in its industry to set up a Foundation supporting sustainable initiatives, bringing access to energy to disadvantaged communities worldwide. The Group is recognized on the CDP Climate Change A List as a global leader on climate action and has committed to Net-Zero emissions by 2050 aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Emmanuel Guinot emmanuel.guinot@nexans.com  

Maëllys Leostic maellys.leostic@nexans.com

About SNCF Réseau

To address growing mobility requirements and develop the contribution of rail travel to the ecological transition, SNCF Réseau is expanding its service offering for freight and passengers, along the 28,000 km of railway lines for which it oversees maintenance, upgrading and safety.  As Infrastructure Manager, SNCF Réseau markets and oversees fair and equal access to rail infrastructure. Working with national and local authorities and train operators, its top priority is to ensure client satisfaction.  

A public limited company belonging to SNCF Group, SNCF Réseau employs over 50,000 people and posted turnover of almost 7.6 billion euros in 2023. www.sncf-reseau.com 

Contacts: Marie Battaglia

ext.marie.battaglia@reseau.sncf.fr