An invisible but essential solution at the foot of Chartres Cathedral, France

Ormazabal participated in the remodeling of the Notre-Dame Cloister

An ambitious project aimed at revitalizing this iconic heritage site and redefining the public space. The overall project involves pedestrianizing the area and creating new landscaped spaces along the esplanade, with paving stones matching those of the cathedral. Shopping terraces and new points of interest will be added, along with the creation of an underground cultural centre.

Enedis operates Europe’s largest electricity distribution network, supporting local communities and the energy transition. As a long-term partner, we work together to modernize the grid and ensure a reliable and sustainable electricity supply.

Chartres Métropole supports urban development and heritage enhancement while addressing the challenges of the energy transition. This project is part of a broader effort to modernize and preserve the city’s historic environment.

Ormazabal’s Solution and the Challenge:

Chartres Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, imposes strict architectural limitations. It was crucial that the distribution substation, located at the foot of the cathedral, remain completely invisible to preserve the historical integrity of the site, while providing the necessary energy to supply the remodeled cloister area.

In collaboration with Chartres Métropole and Enedis, Ormazabal proposed a tailor-made solution: a prefabricated concrete monobloc underground transformer substation (PFS-48). This solution fully meets the requirements of invisibility, performance and environmental integration.

Main benefits for the customer:

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Products involved in the project:

cgmcosmos

Modular and compact switchgear with integral gas insulation, up to 24 kV / 27 kV

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Label

Distribution applications

Public distribution transformers, terciary (shopping centers, airports, hospitals, stadiums, etc.)

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