Alstom has been awarded a EUR 28 million contract to provide a train charging facility for Irish Rail’s new Battery Electric Multiple Unit (BEMU) trains that will operate between Drogheda, Dublin City Centre and beyond.
The fast-charging infrastructure on two platforms and one siding at Drogheda will be installed by end of 2024 to enable new battery-electric DART+ trains that will enter service in 2025, to operate to and from Drogheda in advance of planned electrification of the line, and to be recharged during service turnaround at Drogheda.
“This investment will allow us to accelerate the benefits of DART+ to customers on the Drogheda commuter route, with a brand-new fleet and extra capacity to be provided in just two years’ time,” Jim Made, CEO of Irish Rail (IE) said.
The train charging facility will include a medium voltage connection to ESB (the electricity network operator) and a traction substation converting electricity to the voltage suitable for charging the trains. The substation will be equipped with an energy storage element which enables integration with the ESB network and enhances availability of the charging system. The substation will provide a controlled current to trains stabled on the platforms in Drogheda Station, for re-charging their on-board batteries through an overhead rigid catenary system and the pantographs.
Alstom has won a ten-year framework agreement with Irish Rail for up to 750 new X’trapolis commuter rail cars for Ireland’s DART network, with firm orders for 37 five-car X’trapolis trains including a 15-year support services contract. 31 of the ordered trains are battery-electric multiple units (BEMUs) while six are electric multiple units. Of the initial order of 95 DART+ carriages will enter operation in 2025.
In advance of planned electrification under DART+ Coastal North, the battery-electric DARTs will operate on Dublin to Drogheda service, being powered by the existing 1500V DC overhead lines on the DART from city centre to Malahide, and then under battery power to Drogheda.
DART+ is the transformative programme that will ensure train travel is at the heart of Ireland’s sustainable transport network.
Funded under the National Development Plan by the National Transport Authority, DART+ is an investment that will double the capacity and treble the electrification of the Greater Dublin Area network, facilitating sustainable mobility and development to enhance quality of life in the capital and its surrounding counties.
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