PRZOOM - /newswire/ - Paris, Ile-de-France, France, 2018/03/22 - Eurotunnel has awarded GE Power’s Grid Solutions a contract to supply a Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM), to improve the stabilization of power supply on the catenary traction system of the Channel Tunnel [Euronext Paris: GET; LSE: GETS]. NYSE: GE

• GE to supply the world’s largest STATCOM1 load balancer connected to a catenary traction system2;
• Solution will enable almost double the traffic in Channel Tunnel;
• Project is expected to be complete by end of 2019.

The new system will be stationed in Folkestone, Kent. Once complete, this project will be the world’s largest STATCOM application connected to a catenary traction system.

With more than 4.2 million vehicles and 20 million passengers crossing the Channel through the Tunnel each year, Eurotunnel is recognized as the world’s leading and busiest rolling motorway. With almost 400 trains per day and traffic forecast to increase significantly within the next few years, Eurotunnel needs to increase the power and stability of its network to ensure a constant flow of traffic and in particular to meet peak demand, when eight trains are running simultaneously inside the Channel Tunnel.

Michel Boudoussier, Chief Corporate Officer at Getlink commented “Our choice to go with GE’s STATCOM will put Eurotunnel at the forefront of electrical regulation technology for new generation trains (Velaro). It will also enable us to continue to purchase electricity where it is least expensive.”

GE Power’s Grid Solutions will custom design and supply the entire STATCOM system, which will provide Eurotunnel with reactive power compensation and an improved range of operational voltage, leading to faster response times. Additionally, this technology has a smaller physical footprint than traditional SVC3 systems. STATCOM is a flexible solution which will help Eurotunnel navigate a highly dynamic grid and ensure optimal performance of their assets.

“Providing a stable and consistent flow of electricity to this vital link is critical. We are excited to help upgrade the traction network for the Channel Tunnel to ensure that millions of passengers continue to travel safely and efficiently between the UK and France,” said Rajendra Iyer, GE Power’s Grid Solutions FACTS & HVDC General Manager. “GE’s STATCOM technology is the prime solution to ensure power stability in the Tunnel and help navigate the complex environment that our customers are facing today.”

Notes to Editor:

1. STATCOM = Static Synchronous Compensator, technology allowing voltage stability, power transfer capability and reactive power balance in a grid.
2. Catenary traction system = set of conductors located above the tracks, which feeds electricity to the trains.
3. SVC = Static Var Compensation, technology used since the early 1970s, reliable means of controlling voltage over transmission lines and improving network dynamic stability while increasing power transfer capability.

About GE
GE (ge.com) is the world’s Digital Industrial Company, transforming industry with software-defined machines and solutions that are connected, responsive and predictive. GE is organized around a global exchange of knowledge, the "GE Store," through which each business shares and accesses the same technology, markets, structure and intellect. Each invention further fuels innovation and application across our industrial sectors. With people, services, technology and scale, GE delivers better outcomes for customers by speaking the language of industry.

About GE Power
GE Power (gepower.com) is a world energy leader that provides technology, solutions and services across the entire energy value chain from the point of generation to consumption. We are transforming the electricity industry by uniting all the resources and scale of the world’s first Digital Industrial company. Our customers operate in more than 150 countries, and together we power more than a third of the world to illuminate cities, build economies and connect the world.

About Getlink
Getlink (getlinkgroup.com) manages the infrastructure of the Channel Tunnel and operates accompanied truck shuttle and passenger shuttle (car and coach) services between Folkestone, UK and Calais, France. Eurotunnel holds the concession until 2086 to operate the Channel Tunnel, the fastest, most reliable, easiest and most environmentally friendly way to cross the Channel. In 24 years, around 400 million people have used the Channel Tunnel. This unique land crossing has become a vital link between the continent and the United Kingdom. The Group also runs a rail freight business through its subsidiary Europorte, which offers a wide range of integrated rail freight services and an electrical interconnector through its subsidiary ElecLink.

Eurotunnel Media contacts:
Anne-Laure Desclèves - P: +33(0)1 40 98 04 64
John Keefe - P: +33(0)3 21 00 44 91
Romain Dufour - P: +33(0)1 40 98 04 64

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