For nearly 70 years, Tramway Lausannois was the heartbeat of Lausanne until the network was discontinued in 1964. Today, after a 60-year absence, the tramway is finally returning to the city’s landscape. At Sécheron, we are proud to have played a critical role in this historic revival, providing the reliable power supply infrastructure required to keep this new era of mobility moving.
At a Glance
- Reliability at the Core: Sécheron’s DC traction power solution ensuring high-frequency service and seamless energy distribution for Lausanne’s newest transit artery
- Logistics Mastery: Overcoming extreme urban constraints through precision engineering and the use of rare specialized lifting technology
- 750 V DC of overhead catenary voltage | 13 Million of passengers relying on this powered infrastructure annually | 850 Tons of CO2 savings per year
Precision Engineering for Urban Mobility
To meet the rigorous energy demands of the new line, Sécheron deployed a suite of our most advanced technologies designed for long-term efficiency. Our contribution ensures that the tramway operates on a stable, high-capacity DC network, even under the demanding load of Lausanne’s unique terrain. This comprehensive solution includes high-efficiency transformers and rectifiers that convert AC grid power into stable and reliable DC power.
To manage this power, we integrated sophisticated DC traction equipment such as rectifiers, voltage limiting devices (VLD), high-speed circuit breaker panels (MBS), negative/interface cabinets, and advanced coupling cabinet solutions. The entire system is orchestrated by multiple power supply and coupling cabinets, which serve as the technical brain of the energy distribution network.
A Masterclass in Logistics and Installation
The Lausanne project presented significant logistical hurdles, particularly regarding the dense urban environment and the many installation sites located in extremely confined spaces. These challenges were successfully mastered by our local team and partners, who navigated “impossible” clearances with surgical precision to ensure the infrastructure was safely and accurately positioned.
A highlight of this delivery process was the use of a specialised Egger crane, so rare that only one exists in all of Switzerland. This high-capacity crane was essential for unloading heavy transformers and DC equipment in areas with almost no headroom. In several instances, our team managed to manoeuvre these massive components under bridges and overhead structures with only centimetres to spare. This successful installation stands as a testament to both Sécheron’s robust products and the incredible resourcefulness of our project managers and onsite technicians.
Moving Lausanne Forward
As the Lausanne Tramway enters this exciting new chapter, Sécheron remains committed to supporting the city’s vision of a greener, more connected future. We are honoured to contribute to the sustainability of Swiss infrastructure and thank the city of Lausanne and our project partners for their continued trust in our technology and our people.
