ERA study on the harmonisation of electrification systems

The European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) is pleased to present its new report on the harmonisation of electrification systems.

In Europe there are four main electrification systems. When the technical specifications for interoperability relating to the energy subsystem (TSI ENE) were drafted in 2009, ERA concluded that there was no economic case to mandate a single electrification system. The European Commission asked ERA to evaluate whether the assumptions that supported that conclusion still hold true today.

This study provides a comprehensive overview of the state of electrification across Europe. On the vehicle side the share of multi-system vehicles is quantified. On the infrastructure side the overall network is assessed, with special attention for cross-border sections. In addition, an overview is provided of national feasibility studies on re-electrification and actual re-electrification projects. The analyses show that costs are substantial and the benefits largely context dependent.

Based on these insights, the study iterates the 2009 ERA recommendation not to opt for a single electrification system across Europe. The study does highlight several barriers to interoperability due to the energy subsystem that need to be addressed. Recommendations to investigate and resolve those barriers are put forward in the study’s conclusions.

The study is available below and on the EU Publications Office website.