Nexans installs superconducting cables at Paris Montparnasse station
Nexans is installing the first superconducting cables in France at Paris Montparnasse station to strengthen the power supply. The deployment marks a global first for the integration of this technology into a rail network.
French cable manufacturer Nexans is installing a new type of superconducting cables at Paris Montparnasse train station. The project, executed in partnership with France's national railway infrastructure manager SNCF Réseau, represents a world-first for the permanent integration of superconducting cables into a rail network.
The initiative aims to secure and enhance the electricity supply to the Paris Montparnasse sector. As France's fourth-largest train station, Montparnasse anticipates a significant increase in passenger numbers, necessitating greater power capacity. Superconducting cables offer a more efficient method for delivering these increased electrical loads.
Nexans will design and manufacture the cables, which will provide 5.3 MW per conduit (3,500 A at 1,500 VDC). The technology's zero electrical resistance minimizes energy loss, aligning with sustainability objectives. The cables can be installed within existing infrastructure, reducing the need for costly modifications and minimizing disruption.
This project signifies a major advancement in railway electrical systems. Superconducting cables offer a compact and high-capacity solution for urban power needs. Nexans continues to invest in electrification solutions, including the launch of its new innovation hub, "AmpaCity."