Energy
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 Energy Working Group (ENE WG) 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 the ERA Topical Working Groups and Working Parties, that are responsible for the revision of the TSI ENE and corresponding Application Guide.
EIM actions in 2022
- Throughout 2022, 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 has distributed within the framework of the TSI Revision Package of 2023.
- 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. A first enquiry was 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 may result in a position paper and possibly in change requests to deliverables of other organisations;
- EIM’s ENE WG initiated a discussion with the European Commission on the ‘minimum track access package’ and additional services for power supply. It also requested to change/update the relevant Regulation (EU) 2015/909;
- EIM’s ENE WG initiated a discussion with the ENE Steering Group of CER on electrical safety for third parties climbing on vehicles and approaching live overhead contact lines.
- EIM’s ENE WG, together with CER’s ENE SG, submitted the Change Request on charging of battery trains, 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 newly established Topical Working Groups and smaller Task Forces, e.g. on multiple pantograph operation and significance of renewal and upgrading for implementation plans. The WG made a proposal to improve the parameters of the RINF (register of infrastructure) regarding neutral sections.
Outlook 2023
- EIM’s ENE WG will continue discussing the TSI change requests with ERA and EC, in the final phase of the TSI Revision Package of 2023. The WG ENE will review and propose amendments to the TSI ENE Application Guide.
- The EIM ENE WG will continue the collaboration with the CER ENE SG.
Application guide
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/776 of 16 May 2019 amending Commission Regulations (EU) No 321/2013, (EU) No 1299/2014, (EU) No 1301/2014, (EU) No 1302/2014, (EU) No 1303/2014 and (EU) 2016/919 and Commission Implementing Decision 2011/665/EU
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 “RepowerEU” and “Save Energy” initiatives 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 implementaiton of the EC “Smart and Sustainability Mobility Strategy”, the EC proposal of Regulation on the deployment of “Alternative Fuels Infrastructure in the EU” (AFIR) and on the deployment of innovative solution on Hydrogen-powered or battery electric rolling stock and related infrastructure.
EIM in action
- EIM follows the debate of AFIR at the EU level and provides relevant input to the EC and EUP
- 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 JU and in ERA where interoperability and safety aspects of the use of new energy sources are/will be discussed and /agreed
- EIM is following the development of standards solution for Hydrogene in the rail sector in the relevant for a, i.e.: SFR and CEN-CENELEC
EIM actions in 2022
- EIM and CERaddressed 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 (President, ExDir) and the Director General of DG MOVE on energy savings measures;
- EIMclarified with DG Competition the position of the IMs as potential beneficiaries of State aids under the EC “Temporary Framework” for state aid to alleviate the impact of higher energy prices following the sanctions of the EU against Russia.
- EIM produced a note for the CEOs Club on an “energy toolbox”, outlining the European context and the national measures on government and sector level to reduce energy consumption;
- EIM has provided input to the position of the “Platform for Electromobility”, a lobbying association grouping the main stakeholders involved in road, maritime and rail electrical mobility
Outlook 2023
- EIM will continue to monitor all the above-mentioned developments related to energy and inform its members accordingly.