When the devastating fire of April 15, 2019, left Notre Dame Cathedral severely damaged, it also ignited an extraordinary wave of global solidarity. Among the contributors to this monumental restoration effort is Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, whose donation of advanced solutions has played a critical role in reviving the cathedral’s infrastructure.
Through its state-of-the-art technologies, Schneider Electric has equipped Notre Dame with a modern electrical system designed to protect and monitor its infrastructure. The building management system now optimizes the monument’s energy consumption, bringing 21st-century innovation into one of the world’s most iconic examples of medieval architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991.
A Legacy of Preservation
Schneider Electric’s contribution builds on its history of supporting symbolic restoration projects. “It is only natural for Schneider Electric to support initiatives in prestigious and symbolic sites, as we have done previously for the Comédie Française National Theatre and the Antarctic Station,” said Gilles Vermot Desroches, Senior Vice President of CSR and Institutional Affairs at Schneider Electric.
For the Notre Dame project, the company provided the full suite of equipment required to restore energy to the site and ensure its safety. This includes high-voltage cells (20 kV), a 20/kV/410V transformer with a capacity of 1250 kVA, general and sectional electrical panels, inverters, emergency lighting systems, and essential components for a reliable energy supply. Schneider Electric also delivered building management tools to monitor the electrical network’s operation and control energy consumption, incorporating automatic control systems, sensors, controllers, and communication buses.
Beyond equipment, Schneider Electric contributed to the design, commissioning, and programming of the systems, along with the training of the staff who will operate them. Maintenance of the newly installed electrical distribution infrastructure is also part of the company’s ongoing commitment.
Rebuilding Energy Infrastructure
The fire rendered Notre Dame’s old electrical systems unusable, and without a functional power supply, reopening the cathedral would have been impossible. Schneider Electric’s solutions now ensure a stable and secure energy distribution system, employing advanced technologies to optimize energy consumption while safeguarding the building’s operations.
The team also prioritized fire safety by incorporating cutting-edge solutions such as Acti9 AFDD components to protect against arc faults in socket circuits and HeatTag sensors to detect cable overheating. These innovations provide continuous monitoring and early warning alerts, addressing potential issues before they escalate into significant problems.
Overcoming Logistical and Technical Challenges
The restoration of Notre Dame posed significant technical challenges, which Schneider Electric tackled with ingenuity and precision. Earlier this year, the team successfully delivered and installed the TRIHAL connected transformer, a 3.2-ton device critical to the cathedral’s power supply. Transporting it required meticulous planning, including lifting the unit with a crane and positioning it in the basement beneath the presbytery.
Installing a high-voltage electrical substation in Notre Dame’s underground space, characterized by vaulted ceilings and limited accessibility, was another remarkable feat. Customized components and careful coordination ensured the project’s success. “This is a project where logistics were particularly challenging and required excellent coordination with the other teams working on-site,” explained Cédric Larcher, Regional Manager at Schneider Electric France’s Electrical Distribution Application Center.
A Collective Effort
Approximately 60 Schneider Electric employees, from field workers to network designers, contributed to the project as part of a skill-sharing program. The company also supported partner firms like Ateliers Electriques de France, FBS Electricité, ERM, and Transport Avex, which played vital roles in installing and delivering complex equipment.
Through its donation and ongoing involvement, Schneider Electric has not only restored energy to Notre Dame but has also reinforced its commitment to preserving cultural heritage. By integrating modern technology into a historic masterpiece, the company is helping ensure the cathedral remains a symbol of resilience and beauty for generations to come.