Network Rail appoints Alstom to supply cantilevers in push to decarbonise the railways

Alstom has signed a two-year framework contract with Network Rail for the supply of Single Insulated Cantilevers, helping Network Rail decarbonise the railways through electrification. 

The contract opens up the use of Alstom’s “CLever” Cantilever range on Network Rail electrification projects. CLever is an innovative cantilever for main-line railways that provides Network Rail with a lower cost, more reliable product which is quicker to install. Alstom’s CLever range has the potential to make an important contribution towards an affordable electrification decarbonisation programme.

Alstom’s Centre of Excellence for electrification products in Lecco, Italy, have specifically developed the CLever range for use in the United Kingdom. The CLever offers enhanced reliability, minimised maintenance, and heightened safety when handling and installing.

The preassembled modular lightweight structure and adjustability of the CLever means installation teams can achieve on site installation in 5 minutes. The low weight and ease of configuration also makes installation safer when working at height.

The Italian city of Lecco is home to Alstom’s in-house electrification components. It is here that Alstom’s high-speed electrification system – including power transmission components for railway infrastructure power plants – are manufactured and supplied throughout Europe. Within the UK, Alstom’s Lecco have supplied much of the electrification equipment used for installing the railway systems in the Crossrail tunnels.

Stephen Cox, Engineering and Technical Director at Alstom UK & Ireland, said: “As a global leader in electrification, Alstom takes pride in our electrification innovations that help the efficient delivery of electrification projects up and down the country.

“Drawing upon our experience in Europe, our CLevers can play a vital role in decarbonising the UK’s rail network not only through electrification but also through being designed and manufactured to be recyclable. We are delighted Network Rail has given us this opportunity to bring the CLevers to the network and we look forward to working with them to deliver a greener railway.”

Photo credit: Alstom 

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