L'intégration des énergies renouvelables dans la gestion énergétique de la SNCF

Thesis Abstract

The increasing imperative for sustainable transportation has prompted the French National Railway Company (SNCF) to explore the integration of renewable energy sources into its overall energy management strategy. This study investigates the extent, challenges, and strategic implications of incorporating renewable energies—particularly solar, wind, and biogas—into SNCF’s energy systems to enhance operational sustainability and reduce carbon emissions. The primary aim is to assess how renewable energy integration impacts energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental performance within the organization. Specific objectives include identifying current practices and infrastructural capacities, evaluating technical and managerial barriers, and proposing optimal strategies for scaling renewable energy use in railway operations. Applying a mixed-methods research design, the study combines quantitative analysis of energy consumption and renewable energy contribution data with qualitative insights derived from interviews and focus groups with SNCF’s energy management officials, engineers, and policy strategists. The quantitative component involves collecting data from SNCF’s national energy consumption reports over the past five years, covering approximately 12,000 km of rail network, with a representative sample of 150 energy installations across diverse geographic and operational contexts. Statistical analyses employ regression models to determine the relationship between renewable energy deployment and key performance indicators, such as energy savings, cost reduction, and emission levels. Meanwhile, qualitative data, gathered through thematic analysis of 30 in-depth interviews, elucidate organizational attitudes, perceived barriers, and strategic priorities concerning renewable energy integration. The anticipated findings suggest that strategic deployment of renewable energy can lead to significant reductions in non-renewable energy reliance, with potential savings of up to 20% in operational energy costs within five years. The study expects to demonstrate that infrastructure investments, technological interoperability, and policy frameworks are pivotal in overcoming integration barriers. Additionally, results are anticipated to reveal a positive correlation between proactive management practices and improved environmental performance metrics, aligned with the theory of organizational change and the socio-technical systems framework. This research makes a substantive contribution to the body of knowledge by offering a comprehensive case study on renewable integration within a large-scale transportation organization, highlighting both technical and managerial pathways for effective implementation. It provides empirical evidence for policymakers and industry stakeholders regarding the feasibility, benefits, and challenges of renewable adoption in railway energy systems, thus bridging the gap between theoretical models and practical applications in an industrial context. The main conclusion underscores that strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and technological adaptation are crucial for maximizing renewable energy benefits in railway operations. Recommendations include developing tailored renewable energy transition roadmaps, incentivizing technological innovation, and strengthening regulatory support frameworks. The study advocates for an integrated energy management approach that aligns organizational goals with national sustainability targets, emphasizing capacity building and continuous monitoring as essential for long-term success. Future research directions proposed involve exploring the integration of emerging technologies such as energy storage systems and smart grid solutions to further enhance the sustainability profile of rail transport.