encouraging industrial modernity and innovation

Stimulating innovation through the modernisation of processes and techniques appears as essential to increase the performance of the network and meet the rapid changes in the expectations of our stakeholders.

The spirit of innovation consists of proposing new techniques but also in modernising the methods and organisation of maintenance to reduce costs. It also takes account of sustainability challenges in investments, but also the creation of future technologies through an ambitious research programme.

 

The national rail network constitutes a high value public asset, which must be regularly replaced and maintained to conserve its use. Réseau Ferré de France has thus begun since 2006 a renovation programme without precedent.

The sums invested in replacement have increased by 54% in two years. In 2009, replacement investments reached 1.35 billion Euro spent on the main lines.

The State also entrusted us with an ambitious programme to develop new lines. This mission also has another requirement: design and develop infrastructures in compliance with the "Environment Round Table". This new approach in terms of sustainable development is in particular illustrated by the search for energy efficiency and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, new methods to take account of biodiversity challenges, and a more ecological design of structures and buildings.

 

The network is currently undergoing the transformations required for its European growth and a more efficient operation. Technologies are being deployed throughout Europe, which will make it possible to accelerate the performance of the rail system.

Three projects in particular are concentrating our efforts:
 
In September 2009, Réseau Ferré de France gave Alstom Transport the contract for the first phase of deployment of the European signalling system, ETCS – European Train Control System. Deployed over 2,200km of lines by 2018, this system will first equip the two big corridors of European freight which go through France.
 
The GSM-R project constitutes another element of interoperability through the construction of a digital wireless European communications network. In 2009, Réseau Ferré de France finished the deployment of GSM-R in Eastern France, which covers 2,800km of lines, including the East European high speed line. The deployment and financing of the 11,400km of remaining lines were attributed to SYNERAIL through a public-private partnership contract.
 
The Centralised network control (CCR) constitutes another major change. Over the next twenty years, 16 rail 'control towers' will be built, which will centralise network information, replacing over 1,500 infrastructure decision centres distributed throughout France.

 

Since 1999, Réseau Ferré de France has financed a research programme for the rail infrastructure, its maintenance and its operation.

In order to better coordinate technological innovation for the rail network's efficiency, we have set in 2009 the bases for a multi-annual research programme in direct relation with the strategic objectives of the company.
This programme has four main areas:
 
Reducing infrastructure costs
Increasing the rate of existing infrastructures, the reliability and response times of the operating system
Improving the environmental, social and safety assessment of the railways
Taking part in the prospective reflection concerning the links between planning and mobility

The 2010-2012 research programme was inaugurated by launching about ten projects with new research partners, including four projects directly linked to sustainable development objectives:
 
Improving the energy/carbon efficiency of the investment policy
Analysing the life cycles of infrastructure components with a view to eco-design
Making rail infrastructure corridors more ecological
Combining the rail network with urban planning