Auto-Reconfiguration Signalling Power Supply Systems - Preliminary Market Engagement

Network Rail operates a large portfolio of Auto Reconfiguration systems used to support the resilience of 400V TN S and 650V IT signalling power supplies. Many of these systems have been operational for more than two decades and face several challenges:

• Obsolescence of essential components affecting maintainability and availability
• Reliance on legacy telecoms (such as 3G) due to national network withdrawals
• Rising failure risk due to ageing cables, switchgear and protection components
• Limited diagnostic capability in existing systems
• Inconsistent compatibility with modern power protection and monitoring solutions
• Increasing sustainability pressures, including carbon reduction and waste minimisation

To support Network Rail’s long-term asset strategy and maintain operational performance, we are exploring a future programme to introduce a modern, cyber secure, modular, maintainable Auto Reconfiguration SPS platform. This aligns to wider organisational objectives including:

• Improving safety and reliability for passengers and freight
• Supporting digital railway capabilities
• Reducing operational carbon
• Enhancing maintainability
• Delivering sustainable whole life value

This preliminary market engagement will help confirm commercial viability, test supplier capability, and identify innovative approaches to support a future-proofed solution. It also seeks to understand the level of interest from the supply chain for any future tendering activity.