TUNNELS - ELECTRIC-POWER SUPPLY

Almost all the power consumed by the Channel Tunnel project (98%) was electrical. For an installed capacity of 85 000 kW, consumption was th at of a town of 25 000 inhabitants. This energy was provided by the Gr avelines nuclear power plant, backed where necessary by the Paluel nuc lear plant. On the site, electric power was distributed by three ring- main circuits. The main functions on the underground sites were clearl y differentiated and the power circuits were doubled to ensure the dep endability of the network. Finally, a stand-by power plant using diese l engines was provided to supply 8 500 kW when necessary.