Introduction: All Green Roads Lead to Decarbonisation
In an era where sustainability and innovation work hand in hand, the transition to green mobility solutions is a key driver of the energy transition. These holistic solutions are designed to tackle the multifaceted challenges of decarbonisation and efficiency, leading the way to a low-carbon future. This article examines green mobility alternatives and innovations that have the potential to revolutionise urban and industrial transportation and significantly contribute to the global energy transition.
Electrification of the Transport Sector: Why We Need to Step on the Gas
Emissions from the transport sector increased by an average of 1.7% per year between 1990 and 2022, faster than all other end-use sectors except industry. The net-zero scenario requires emissions from this sector to be reduced by a quarter by 2030, even as demand continues to rise. Electrification of transport is therefore unavoidable if we are to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Equans’ experience in mechanical and electrical engineering for road, rail, and urban networks spans two centuries. Our innovative electrification solutions (including charging stations, dynamic charging, smart road and urban management systems, and on-board connectivity) are designed to meet the unique needs of our clients. Together with our industry partners, we combine innovative technologies with integrated infrastructure solutions to not only envision, but actively build a sustainable mobility future.
Electrifying Road Networks: Driving Sustainability Forward
The advent of electric highways offers a promising and cost-effective solution to decarbonise road freight transport. With road transport being a major contributor to CO2 emissions, the transition to electric highways equipped with dynamic charging systems provides a viable avenue to minimise the carbon footprint of heavy vehicles.
The Electric Road System: A Cost-Effective Route to Sustainability
The Electric Road System (ERS) is a ground-breaking solution that enables lorries to recharge themselves while in motion, eliminating downtime and enabling continuous operation while significantly reducing emissions. This approach not only addresses the challenges associated with battery weight and cost but also significantly enhances the efficiency of freight transport, yielding significant results by equipping just a fraction of the road network.
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- Leveraging existing infrastructure:The development of the electric motorway benefits from the availability of existing infrastructure, so that the land conversion required for other energy projects is not necessary. This advantage makes the deployment of ERS a fast and effective way to transition to greener roads.
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- Selecting optimal technology for extensive electrification:Overhead catenaries, ground-level power through rails or induction systems integrated into the road surface play a crucial role in meeting operational needs and ensuring cost-effectiveness. Installing pentagraphs on trucks to capture electricity does not entail high additional costs. This enables trucks to continue operations seamlessly beyond the electric highway, extending efforts to decarbonise transport right up to the "last mile".
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- Making a little go a long way:ERS initiatives are currently being rolled out across Europe, aiming to create both the operational and legal framework for widespread deployment to address challenges such as increasing electricity consumption and the need for a balanced grid. So far, trials have shown that carbon emissions from road freight transport can be reduced by up to 60% by electrifying just 3% of the road network.
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Electrifying Rail Networks: Staying on the Right Sustainable Track
Railway electrification plays a pivotal role in enhancing the reliability and appeal of rail transport. By electrifying everything from high-speed lines to urban tram systems, Equans’ comprehensive approach to electrotechnical engineering, which includes the integration of innovative technologies and adoption of green materials, supports the transition towards sustainable urban and long-distance travel. With a wide range of electrification solutions, from urban trams to intercity railways, Equans’ key focus is the modernisation, management and maintenance of rail networks. This ensures efficient, sustainable operation of the various railway infrastructures and underlines a commitment to improving the performance and attractiveness of railway systems in all regions.
The 3 Ms of Rail Electrification: Modernisation, Management and Maintenance
1. Modernisation: Equans’ rail modernisation strategy involves various technologies, such as:
- Overhead lines for conventional and high-speed rails. These lines ensure a reliable power supply, leading to more efficient train services.
- Urban tram lines also benefit from overhead systems that provide continuous power, contributing to cleaner city air.
- Metro systems use overhead and third rail systems designed for space-constrained urban environments, demonstrating adaptability and innovation in electrification efforts.
- The use of eco-friendly materials, such as glass fibre reinforced plastic (GRP) catenary poles, reflects a dedication to sustainable alternatives in infrastructure development.
2. Management: Equans’ sophisticated power supply and management systems are used behind the scenes to ensure seamless train operations. These systems include:
- Electrical and high-voltage substations, which are crucial for energy conversion and distribution, as well as low-voltage power supply that is meticulously managed.
- Energy Management Systems (EMS) are also used to optimise energy use within the network, promoting efficiency and reducing waste.
- Electric traction control employs advanced systems to precisely address electrical challenges and maintain the operational integrity of trains.
3. Maintenance: Innovative digital solutions are revolutionising rail network maintenance:
- Equans’ SOCRAT system enables remote control and real-time monitoring of catenary tensioning devices, enhancing operational efficiency and safety by promptly identifying and alerting operators to potential faults and ground movement.
Electrifying Public Transport: Connecting the Collective Journey
Equans is redefining public transportation with electrification strategies that are expertly crafted to balance the intricate interplay between digital technology, sustainability, and mobility. These efforts are not merely about reducing the carbon footprint of urban mobility but also about enhancing the overall travel experience, thereby making green public transport an appealing alternative option for urban travellers.
Streamlining Urban Commutes with Navineo’s Digital Integration
Navineo, developed by Ineo Systrans, an Equans company, is radically transforming public transport operations, featuring in over 50,000 buses, light rail vehicles, and trains across 250 operators globally. Its computer-aided dispatch and automatic vehicle location (CAD/AVL) system leverages advanced data analytics to fine-tune public transport services. This advanced technology boosts operational efficiency and enriches the passenger experience through real-time tracking of vehicle routes, fleet status, and ensuring timely communication with drivers and passengers. By adjusting to passenger flow and facilitating smooth integration with other transport modes, Navineo ensures reliability even amidst traffic disruptions. With real-time functionalities like electric bus charging monitoring and eco-driving support, Navineo exemplifies Equans' dedication to fostering safe and sustainable cityscapes through digital innovation.
Expanding Digital Electrification Initiatives Globally with Ineo Systrans
Ineo Systrans' new headquarters in Atlanta is a significant milestone in the global effort towards sustainable public transportation. This expansion is in line with the increasing interest in public transit in the United States, driven by important legislation such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Build Back Better Act. Located in a growing tech hub with convenient airport access, Atlanta is an ideal platform for Ineo Systrans’s Navineo solution to drive up digital and environmental initiatives in public transport, both domestically and internationally.
Digitalisation and Transport Safety: Icomera’s Hand in Hand Approach
Equans, through its subsidiary Icomera, leads in vehicle connectivity. This service, critical for millions daily, lays the foundation for digital applications that enhance passenger satisfaction, streamline operations, and bolster safety. From onboard Wi-Fi to entertainment and real-time journey updates, designing a holistic digital network is instrumental in elevating public transport's appeal. Moreover, it plays a crucial role in ensuring safety and operational efficiency, with technologies like digital video protection, smart lighting systems and telematics paving the way for a more adaptable and secure public transport system.
Charging Stations for Electric Vehicles: Catalysing the Transition to Electric Mobility
Forecasts indicate a dramatic shift towards electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles by 2030, making a robust charging infrastructure paramount. Expanding the network is key to democratise the accessibility of charging solutions from public to private sectors. Notwithstanding the notable progress in installing charging points, there is still a need for more, especially fast-charging stations. Scalable and efficient charging solutions are crucial to facilitate the increasing adoption of electromobility.
Comprehensive, Customised Charging Solutions
A multistakeholder in EV mobility, EQUANS, offers integrated charging infrastructure solutions for electric and hybrid vehicles, ultra-fast charging stations, as well as customised IT applications for users, operators and managers. Equans offers bespoke solutions encompassing customised charging stations, advanced software, and dedicated services to ensure a seamless setup of EV charging infrastructures. From meticulous design and installation to all-encompassing maintenance and user-centric services, Equans aims to provide an end-to-end service provision that caters to the specific needs of each client and site.
Equans' operational span, covering national and European territories, ensures prompt and effective service delivery. This extensive coverage is bolstered by Equans' expertise in electrical and digital engineering, affording the delivery of competitive and superior charging solutions.
Navigating Grid Congestion
As the adoption of electric vehicles escalates, so does the demand for a reliable charging infrastructure, constrained by the current grid capacity. Equans is at the forefront of addressing these issues, offering Smart Charging solutions, where chargers are logically organised by infrastructure, and championing innovative energy storage systems to alleviate grid pressure, optimise energy usage, and support the integration of renewable energy sources.
- Smart Charge&Go: Developed by INEO, this turnkey solution has been specifically designed to optimise the management of electric bus fleets. This innovative system not only monitors and manages the charging of electric fleets in order to minimise energy costs by eliminating consumption peaks and respecting power consumption limits, but also improves operational continuity through effective connection to graphic and operational support systems. In addition, it extends battery life by promoting optimal charging procedures and monitoring battery warranties. Charge&Go's key features include real-time monitoring, comprehensive depot and terminal management, and advanced analyses of charging and battery performance.
Case Study: GEFCO's EV Charging Network
Equans collaborated with GEFCO to tackle the pressing issue of setting up electric vehicle charging stations in France and Spain. Equans oversaw the installation, commissioning, and management of the road network for 153 charging stations (74 AC and 80 DC units) at 14 logistics sites in both countries, with a total charging capacity of 5.7 MW. The initiative successfully met customer needs within tight deadlines, optimised the budget for charging station provision by maximising available subsidies, and comprehensively managed logistics.
Conclusion: Green Mobility: A Pilot and Co-Pilot Partnership
Holistic green mobility alternatives not only improve quality of life but also the resilience of urban environments. As an experienced partner in rail and road electrification strategies, dynamic charging, and intelligent transport systems, Equans is working side by side with the transport sector to chart the course for a sustainable, more efficient and connected future, where e-mobility is the norm.
