According to Infrabel, more than 800 km of tracks will need to be completely re-electrified over the entire Belgian rail network by 2032. Furthermore, 1,300 km of catenaries must undergo a mid-life review to extend their lifespan.
“Some of these catenary’s date from the 1950s, they are part of the first historic electrifications of the network,” Infrabel said. “Some 19% are now over 60 years old. To accomplish this strategic renewal, Infrabel will have to invest substantial financial resources, and rely on the know-how of many (new) employees.”
The Belgian rail network is largely electrified. Of the 6,500 km of main tracks (excluding marshalling yards and other technical areas), some 90% – or 5,900 km – are electrified. The catenaries allow the electrical supply of the trains, and therefore represent one of the essential components of the rail network.
The catenary renewal investments are necessary even though new alternative technologies such as battery-powered or hydrogen-powered trains are being studied. “Re-electrifying is the only way to guarantee the performance of rail transport in the short and medium term, and thus establish the role of rail in sustainable mobility throughout the territory,” Infrabel noted.
“90% of the Belgian rail network is currently electrified,” said Gilkinet. “These are solid foundations for the continued necessary and desirable development of the greenest means of transport that exists. Doubling the number of passengers on trains and the volume of goods on rail, which is the objective of the Federal Government between now and 2030, will only be possible thanks to an efficient and robust network.
“My proposal to the government is to invest €605m over 10 years to revise our entire network and install state-of-the-art electrical equipment. To this end, catenary operators are essential actors and actors who feed the train of the present and the future,” he added.
Benoît Gilson, CEO of Infrabel, concluded, “The catenary is a fundamental element of rail. Its renewal represents one of the biggest challenges for Infrabel over the next 10 years. Every day, our teams maintain the network, making it as secure as possible. The investments made aim to achieve this objective with a view to more sustainable mobility, at the service of our customers.”