Eurotunnel awarded GE Power’s Grid Solutions a contract to supply a Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM), to improve the stabilization of power supply on the catenary traction system of the Channel Tunnel. The new system will be stationed in Folkestone, Kent.
GE Power’s Grid Solutions will custom design and supply the entire STATCOM system, which will provide Eurotunnel with reactive power compensation and an improved range of operational voltage, leading to faster response times. Additionally, this technology has a smaller physical footprint than traditional SVC systems (Static Var Compensation, technology used since the early 1970s). STATCOM is a flexible solution which will help Eurotunnel navigate a highly dynamic grid and ensure optimal performance of their assets.
“Our choice to go with GE’s’ STATCOM will put Eurotunnel at the forefront of electrical regulation technology for new generation trains (Velaro). It will also enable us to continue to purchase electricity where it is least expensive,” Michel Boudoussier, Chief Corporate Officer at Getlink said.
GE says that once completed, this project will be the world’s largest STATCOM application connected to a catenary traction system.
More than 4.2 million vehicles and 20 million passengers are crossing the Channel through the Tunnel each year. As the traffic forecast to increase significantly within the next few years, from currently 400 trains per day, Eurotunnel needs to increase the power and stability of its network to ensure a constant flow of traffic and in particular to meet peak demand, when eight trains are running simultaneously inside the Channel Tunnel.
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