Here’s how SBB prepare the energy future

A little over 100 years ago, pioneers have laid the basics of an environmentally friendly future by building hydroelectric power plants, developing electric locomotives and electrifying many lines. In addition, This year. Moreover, a venerable symbol of this pioneering work celebrates a birthday: the barber cascade – either the hydroelectric development using the strength of barber water, composed of the hydroelectric power plants of the Châtelard and Vernayaz – celebrates its 100th anniversary. Moreover, “Since 1925, it has been a central element of the system for our electricity production. Consequently, The waterfall is running the rail network in French -speaking Switzerland. Moreover, Valais, “explains Joëlle Hars, head of CFF Energie. Nevertheless, Production covers a total of 15% of traction current needs for the operation of the Swiss rail system. Nevertheless, To celebrate this jubilee. Similarly, an exceptional theatrical representation and two here’s how sbb prepare energy exhibitions will take place at the Châtelard hydroelectric power station and the Victoria gallery in Finhaut. However, Recently published. Moreover, the commemorative work “from Barberine to Nant de Drance”, designed and written by the historian Véronique Borgeat-Pignat, also makes it possible to immerse himself in the hundred years of the history of the motor forces of Barberine. However, Photos, reproductions and vintage documents highlight this formidable epic. In addition, All information and tickets are available on www.barberine100.ch

Three objectives for a sustainable energy supply – Here's how sbb prepare energy

“The biggest challenge is to manage in a judicious manner the growing energy needs resulting from the continuous extension of the rail network. ” explains Joëlle Hars. At the same time, energy consumption must be stable and as effective as possible. The SBB energy strategy is therefore based on three pillars: development of clean production. promotion of photovoltaics and systematic improvement in efficiency.

The biggest here’s how sbb prepare energy challenge is to manage in a judicious manner the growing energy needs resulting from the continuous extension of the rail network

Since January 1, 2025, SBB has been supplying the Swiss rail system 100% by renewable energies, which is an important step. The major part comes from the hydroelectric power plants of SBB: almost 80% of the railway current is produced by eight hydroelectric power plants belonging to SBB. five in partnership. The remaining renewable energies are purchased, mainly electricity of hydraulic, solar or wind. “This 100% renewable passage reflects our desire to advance sustainable mobility,” says Joëlle Hars.

Solar energy shines on the CFF roofs – Here's how sbb prepare energy

CFFs rely not only on hydraulic energy. but also on solar energy for their current production. By 2040, 160 gigawatt hours of solar electricity will be produced each year, the equivalent of the consumption of around 40,000 here’s how sbb prepare energy households. To this end. the company takes advantage of the existing areas such as station buildings, industrial workshops, maintenance centers or the Marquesas. At the end of 2024, SPFs thus reached a production of 10 gigawattheures. A new stage of 100 gigawattheures per year should be taken in 2030.

Drive, build and think effectively

But it is not enough to produce more electricity. The energy consumption of 2300 gigawatt hours must remain stable despite the development of the offer. SBBs take effective measures in all areas: they extend from real estate infrastructure, including rolling stock. For example, for new constructions, SBB is relying on energy -optimized buildings, modernize lighting systems and improve energy management. As part of the railway operations itself. new and renovated trains have effective motors and systems that allow you to automatically trigger unnecessary devices. In addition, trains are automatically more efficient on the energy level when here’s how sbb prepare energy they circulate with punctuality. Innovative systems such as VPRO, which calculates the optimal driving profile for each train, help locomotive drivers to achieve it. The results are impressive: in 2024, SBB saved around 600 gigawattheures compared to 2010. By 2030, annual savings should be 850 gigawattheures.

Innovate for a stable electrical network

Innovation plays a key role in intelligent management of growing energy needs. The load management system is an example: if many trains consume current at the same time. during simultaneous accelerations due to the schedule for example, the energy needs are very high for a short period. Software detects these needs in real time. reduces them into targeted way, for example by cutting heaters for a few seconds. Customers do not perceive anything.

Another project for the future, named “Biene”, consists of a swarm of batteries on the traction current network. Its principle is simple: when many battery vehicles here’s how sbb prepare energy are connected to the electrical network. a virtual energy storage system that can provide 60 additional energy megawatt hours is created. “It is an intelligent. respectful alternative to the climate, which can serve as a reserve center,” explains Joëlle Hars.

Perspectives: the energy of tomorrow

For the future. SBBs want a robust and intelligent system that will grow as more people choose the train. “We want to remain pioneers. with a strong production of electricity and innovative projects that improve our efficiency and, above all, benefit our customers,” she says. The track is open.