Powering future connections with HS2
Prysmian is powering future connections by manufacturing and delivering the best quality products, ensuring that railway systems are more efficient than ever before.
The railway carries millions of people every day. However unprecedented demand means that the UK’s infrastructure is struggling to cope.
According to an analysis by the International Energy Agency (IEA), passenger and freight activity will likely more than double by 2050 and will lead to greater demands on energy. One way to meet demand and increase the efficiency of the UK’s railway is to develop a high speed rail network.
High speed rail
High speed rail is significantly faster than the traditional railway. In the UK, trains are already running at incredible speeds of 186mph. This was achieved by Eurostar trains on the HS1 line between London and the Channel Tunnel.
High speed rail also consists of dedicated high speed rail lines. This means it is twice as fast as driving and does not rely on the traditional network.
What is HS2?
High Speed Two, more commonly referred to as HS2, is Britain’s new high-speed rail. It will become the backbone of the UK’s rail transport network.
The HS2 project is part of an initiative to fulfil the Government’s ambition of levelling up. The Department for Transport aims to bring the UK’s largest economic regions together so that businesses can establish and thrive in the Midlands and in the North, and not just in London or the South East. Other expected benefits of HS2 include more capacity for local services and freight, a reduction in carbon emissions and boost the UK’s tourism industry.
The current rail corridor, the West Coast Main Line, cannot be improved or upgraded without causing long-term disruption. So, a solution was found in HS2.
When complete, the HS2 route will stretch from London to Birmingham, the East Midlands, and North West England. HS2 aims to cut journey times, make it easier to travel, and provide a more reliable service, which will connect towns in the South, the Midlands, and the North. The project is split into four phases:
• Phase One: London to West Midlands
• Phase 2a: West Midlands to Crewe
• Phase 2b: Crewe to Manchester
• Phase 2b: West Midlands to Leeds
HS2 trains are expected to reach phenomenal speeds of 225mph, cutting journey times between Birmingham and London down to just 49 minutes!
How Prysmian Group is powering future connections
Prysmian Group is powering these future connections by manufacturing and delivering the best quality products. This ensures that these railway systems are more efficient than ever before.
We can be relied upon to manufacture and deliver a sustainable and dependable supply. We also provide safer and simpler complete systems with proven expertise. Our cable solutions equip transport vehicles and infrastructures around the world. Whether it’s enhancing power and control capabilities or enabling the optimal functioning of data and communication systems.
Constructing Stations and tunnels
Building an efficient railway system starts with the construction of stations and tunnels. Prysmian Group products make the ideal solution for stations, tunnels, and general construction for rail infrastructure. We manufacture a range of cables that including low voltage building cables (LV cables), medium voltage power distribution and track feeder cables (MV cables). For fire safety systems, we design and manufacture the renowned FP cable range.
Building a modern Railway System
Rapid urbanisation is forcing the railway industry to modernise in order to meet demands. At Prysmian Group, we supply a range of low voltage cable and catenary systems to power up railway systems. We also provide a range of copper and optical cables. This enables greater connections and data transmission across the whole rail network.
Rolling Stock
To deal with rapid technological change and rising customer expectations, we are linking rolling stock with the latest in lightweight, flexible cable technology. We are promoting and driving product development and innovation by reducing the size and weight of cables, as well as minimising the wall thickness of insulation and outer sheaths.
Telecoms and connectivity
Great connections don’t just happen on the tracks. As the world becomes even more reliant on the digital world, the demand for advanced on-board technology has increased.
Enhanced data and power transmission mean a growing number of cables are required for rolling stock vehicles and carriages. Prysmian Group design and manufactures cable that greatly enhances connectivity. It is one of the world’s largest optical providers and producers. Discover more about Prysmian Telecoms.
Find out more about how Prysmian Group is powering future connections.