Siemens Mobility has been awarded four contracts valued at €670 million by HS2 Ltd, marking a significant step in the development of Britain's second high-speed rail line. These contracts cover key infrastructure components and long-term maintenance services.
Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility, emphasized the transformative potential of HS2: "HS2 is set to transform rail travel by offering faster and more reliable passenger journeys and freeing up freight paths in the UK. We are very proud to provide our wayside ATO over ETCS solution, enabling semi-automated train operations for improved capacity, punctuality, and energy efficiency on high-speed travel for the first time."
The scope of Siemens Mobility's involvement includes several critical systems:
1. **Command, Control, Signaling & Traffic Management (CCS&TM):** Siemens will implement a European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 signaling system with Automatic Train Operation at GoA2. This technology eliminates traditional signals by providing digital information directly to train drivers via screens in their cabs. The company will offer technical support for this system for at least 15 years.
2. **Engineering Management System:** An integrated Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system will be developed to enhance railway equipment reliability and efficiency. Siemens will leverage its extensive experience from projects like London's Elizabeth line to deliver this system with ongoing technical support for 15 years.
3. **High Voltage Power Supply Systems:** In partnership with Costain, Siemens will create high voltage power supply systems crucial for delivering power from the National Grid to trains along the HS2 route. Maintenance services will be provided for seven years.
4. **Operational Telecommunications and Security Systems:** A secure communications network using Global System for Mobile Communications-Railway (GSM-R) technology will be established along the HS2 route, with provisions made for future upgrades.
HS2 aims to revolutionize Britain's transportation landscape by connecting London to Birmingham over a 225-kilometer stretch and extending further into northern cities. It follows High Speed 1 as Britain's second purpose-built high-speed railway.
Siemens Mobility has a longstanding presence in the UK with over 5,500 employees across more than 30 sites. The company recently opened its Rail Village facility in Goole dedicated to manufacturing Piccadilly line trains among other fleets.
"HS2 will play a vital role in connecting the UK’s two largest cities and driving growth and sustainability nationwide," added Michael Peter. "With our 5,500 UK employees, Siemens Mobility is fully committed to delivering advanced transportation solutions designed and built in Britain."