Volue supports Swiss Federal Railways with DeltaXE and Algo Trader Power

Introduction

As Switzerland's national rail operator, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) is a key player in the country’s sustainability journey. To meet the energy demands of the Swiss rail system, SBB relies on its robust and varied power portfolio. It has an ambitious vision to integrate an increase of renewable energy sources, with SBB aiming to produce 160 gigawatt hours of electricity annually from photovoltaic systems by 2040, enough to power approximately 40,000 households.

To enhance its power trading capabilities, maximise energy portfolio efficiencies, and support cross-border trading between Switzerland and Germany, SBB turned to Volue's DeltaXE and Volue Algo Trader Power solutions. When combined, they provide seamless logistics, real-time position management, and powerful algorithmic trading capabilities, enabling SBB to unlock new levels of flexibility and profitability in the European energy market.

Background: SBB’s Commitment to a Sustainable Future

On behalf of the Federal Office of Transport, SBB supplies the Swiss rail system with around 2,500 gigawatt hours of energy per year. SBB is focusing on stepping up its energy-efficiency measures, expanding its existing hydropower plants and opening up its sites for the installation of photovoltaic systems.

Challenge: Managing a Complex Power Portfolio

To effectively manage and trade their extensive power portfolio, which spans Switzerland and Germany, SBB required a high-performance solution capable of handling real-time trading and logistics. Given the intricacies of cross-border trading, SBB sought a technology that would streamline intraday activity, enhance the efficiency of its trading desk and maximise returns on power plant flexibility. The challenge was to find an integrated, automated solution capable of accommodating the dynamic nature of the intraday market while aligning with SBB’s long-term renewable goals.

Solution: Integration of Volue’s DeltaXE and Algo Trader Power

To address these needs, SBB selected Volue's DeltaXE and Volue Algo Trader Power, with both solutions tailored for the European power markets. This suite of tools enables SBB to manage both logistics and trading with precision and flexibility.

DeltaXE serves as a cornerstone of SBB’s energy planning, offering real-time position management and enabling seamless cross-border operations. It supports the scheduling, nomination, and capture of all trades and positions, integrating efficiently with European power and gas markets. By managing cross-border capacities, DeltaXE increases new trading opportunities and facilitates a more agile energy market approach, essential for cross-border transactions between Switzerland and Germany.

 Volue Algo Trader Power complements DeltaXE by enabling automated intraday trading. With its customisable algorithmic execution strategies, it helps SBB optimise trading activities across multiple European markets.