Due to the energy crisis, electricity outages may be possible in some European cities this winter. In France, struggling with its supply as several nuclear plants are out of service, public transport considers all scenarios to avoid stranding passengers, including electricity cut-offs.

Although the metro system will be spared a power cut this winter, trams will likely stop, and train traffic will likely be disrupted. According to a circular to the prefects, the possible switch-offs would be organized during the peak consumption periods, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., which surprised the French transport operators. They thought they would be spared, after all.

But Clément Beaune, French Transport Minister, was clear: “We will not be going to let a train or a metro go if there’s a risk of it being cut off.”

National strategy for SNCF

For trains, it is SNCF Réseau, the railway operator, who must inform operators in the event of a temporary closure of its lines. In addition, SNCF Réseau is working with the government and electricity transmission system operator RTE on a national strategy for supplying power to the rail network in case of possible power cuts this winter.

A survey of the network’s sensitive points is underway, which should make it possible to establish possible scenarios. The high-voltage catenary will, in any case, remain powered, but part of the low- and medium-voltage network is likely to be affected by the power cuts. This may concern the lighting of stations and platforms, level crossings, or signaling elements.

The Channel Tunnel is not affected, as Getlink (Eurotunnel) can get electricity from both the British and French sides.

Mainly tram networks in the province

But the operation of the tram network in France would come under threat. In Île-de-France, the region surrounding Paris, the RER, and the RATP metro should be little impacted as they benefit from specific supply channels. However, power cuts could bring lifts and escalators to a halt.

Yet it is mainly tramways and trolleybuses in the provinces that are under threat. As a result, adapted transport plans will be implemented, which may include reducing frequencies to adapt to the drop in available electrical power, setting up partial services, or stopping tram lines and temporarily replacing them with buses.

Blackouts

As far as public transport is concerned, electric buses will have enough battery power to last two hours. The risk of blackouts is also due to maintenance and breakdowns at many French nuclear power plants.

As a result, only 35 GW of the 61-gigawatt capacity is available today. The aim is to hit 43 GW by the end of January. As a result, France will be very dependent on electricity imports this winter. With its 56 nuclear power plants, France has traditionally been a power exporter.