Introduction
Net zero goals are being set around the globe, with many countries targeting partial to complete emission reductions in the near future. Nearly every industry is engaging in these efforts and driving initiatives to move their goals forward. Rail in Canada is making progress on the path to decarbonization – with governments, industry, and stakeholders rethinking the future of this vital sector.
Enabling an energy efficient rail sector in North America
For over 140 years, ABB has transformed society and industry to achieve a more productive and sustainable future. From the start, the company has provided innovative and energy-efficient technologies to the rail sector, with manufacturing and servicing of all components and subsystems in urban, intercity and high-speed networks, including rail infrastructure and rolling stock. Life-cycle service support, spanning retrofits and maintenance, is also important to its large global installed base. This deep knowledge of the rail and transportation markets is helping build on the past, meet the evolving needs of today and prepare for the future.
Engineering ingenuity for robust infrastructure
Canada is considered to have one of the best developed infrastructures in the world, making it attractive for businesses, technology and international trade. Investments in infrastructure projects and community improvements are helping ensure the country is well positioned for the future. One key focus is expanding transportation options and passenger mobility while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
The REM project
A prime example is the Réseau express métropolitain (REM), an ambitious rapid transit network being developed in the Montréal area. As the largest public transit project in Quebec in the last 50 years, the REM is Canada’s fully automated, electric light rail transit network, seamlessly integrating with existing bus networks, commuter trains, and three lines of the Montréal metro system. The REM project was initiated to offer transportation to an estimated 150,000 daily passages. With a section of the REM South Shore branch using the central portion of the Samuel-De Champlain Bridge, work involved the construction of the necessary infrastructure, including rails and electrical systems. This project demonstrates decarbonization opportunities for the Québec province and Canada, where only less than 1% of rail projects are electrified.
The cars for the REM are in service and adapted to Montreal - in terms of design, capacity, accessibility and passenger experience. The cars form a single uninterrupted train for passengers, within Greater Montréal. The exterior livery, chosen by the public, was inspired by the Samuel-De Champlain Bridge and designed to blend into the Montréal environment, offering passengers breathtaking views via panoramic and large bay windows at either end.
When fully operational, the REM is expected to reduce GHG emissions by 2.5 million tons over the course of 25 years. Photograph courtesy of REM/NouvLR 
The REM’s South Shore branch uses the central portion of the new Samuel-De Champlain Bridge. Photograph courtesy of REM/NouvLR 
Once completed, the REM will span approximately 67 kilometers and include 26 stations, connecting several key areas of the Greater Montréal region. Photograph courtesy of REM/NouvLR
The Challenge
Environmental challenge
In Canada, the transportation sector as a whole is responsible for 28percent of Canada's total greenhouse gas emissions. The country’s railway network spans approximately 49,422 kilometers, of which 129 kilometers, less than one percent, is electrified.
Custom expansion requirement
To accommodate the movement of the Samuel-De Champlain Bridge, NouvLR, the design and construction consortium responsible for the electrical systems and installation, required a cable tray system that would allow between 24 and 27 inches (60 and 70 centimeters) of play. Given the standard expansion splice plate accommodates only one inch of play, a custom expansion joint system was necessary to meet project requirements. Other critical design considerations included Montréal’s extreme temperature fluctuations, a short lead time, and engineering support and collaboration.
The solution
ABB addressed these challenges with customized solutions from its broad electrification and automation portfolio including:
- In 2022, ABB’s T&B Cable Tray Systems®, Superstrut® metal framing, Star Teck® fittings and various other products, were selected to build the electrical infrastructure. Developing a joint expansion solution to provide 24 to 27 inches (60 to 70 cm) of play was key in supporting the completion of the REM’s South Shore branch over the Champlain Bridge. This enables thousands of passengers to travel safely and sustainably from Brossard on the South Shore to Central Station in downtown Montréal. The product design was optimized for maximum functionality and ease of installation and once the prototype was approved, it took just seven months to deliver the expansion joint system in time to meet the construction schedule.
- The REM passenger light rail project serves as an example of embracing the trend toward electrification to meet passenger needs, net zero goals and future growth. Its train propulsion system, lighting, heating/cooling mechanisms, and safety controls, are fully electrically powered. This also includes ABB components such as AC & DC relays and contactors to miniature circuit breakers and electronic monitoring relays that protect and distribute power, which makes the cars safer and more efficient for passengers.
- ABB also supplied the auxiliary power units that distribute electricity on board the vehicles. The BORDLINE® M75 auxiliary converters (1 per car) are designed to energize all AC and DC utilities on the train, in an efficient and reliable way, thanks to the advanced technology and the redundancy concept. This product was extensively customized to meet the specific requirements of the project, ensuring adaptability to various train operating conditions. Its development involved multiple ABB locations: Italy and Switzerland for platform components and design, India for production, and Canada for local services.
What's next?
Building on the success of the Samuel-De Champlain Bridge section of the REM project, similar products have been specified for other sections of the REM network. The expansion joint system will be further customized for each section based on the requirements of the location and application.
ABB will continue assisting manufacturers in building systems that serve as both complementary to, and alternatives for carbon fuel for decarbonization. Our existing electrification technology empowers rolling stock manufacturers and rail infrastructure customers to improve fuel efficiency or upgrade older systems. This includes more efficient solutions like auxiliary power units, low voltage power supply and battery chargers, AC & DC molded case circuit breakers, AC & DC relays and contactors, DC switches and low voltage control products, traction converters, energy storage systems, and traction motors and generators.
More about the REM and Champlain Bridge
Once completed, the REM will span approximately 67 kilometers and include 26 stations, connecting several key areas of the Greater Montréal region, including the city’s downtown, the South Shore, the West Island, and Montréal-Trudeau International Airport. When fully operational, the REM is expected to reduce GHG emissions by 2.5 million tons over the course of 25 years.
The first REM section, the South Shore branch, between Brossard on Montréal’s South Shore and Bonaventure-Central Station, which includes the Champlain Bridge link, opened to the public on July 31, 2023. The second phase of the REM project, encompassing the West Island, North Shore and Centre of Montréal segments, is scheduled to be in operation in the autumn of 2025.
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