Markets and strategy

DB Energy is responsible for the economically and ecologically efficient energy procurement and for reliable energy provision for train operating companies (TOCs). DB Energy also has high-performance infrastructure for the provision of electricity and diesel to mobile and stationary consumers.

DB Energy makes a significant contribution to achieving the long-term goals of the Strong Rail strategy. For example, DB Energy is a key driver for a climate-friendly energy supply of the TOCs in Germany. To fully achieve the target of climate neutrality by 2040, the traction current provision shall be completely converted to renewable energies by 2038. Sustainable alternatives are to be offered for non-electrified routes with charging infrastructure for battery trains, hydrogen supply and biofuel.

This also applies to the challenges of the S3 restructuring program. As DB Group’s energy supply company, DB Energy combines infrastructure, operations and profitability with the topics of the future of digitalization and the energy transition. The primary topics of DB Energy contribute to the three columns of the S3 restructuring program:

• Infrastructure: DB Energy’s infrastructure is geared towards the supply of traction energy. We focus on resilience and securing a stable power supply. This is aimed at meeting energy supply trends and challenges with strategic adjustments to our traction current grid and our distribution grids. The infrastructure forms the backbone, which only works as a unit by strategically safeguarding supply reliability.
• Operations: Operations – supply reliability – are to be ensured by DB Energy’s know-how and experience. DB Energy aims to identify bottlenecks in the supply situation at an early stage, and strategically aligns its approach accordingly. DB Energy also wants to act quickly and pragmatically in the event of an emergency. We focus on sustainable, intelligent and economical solutions. OT (operational technology) security, supported by modern communication, is becoming increasingly important.
• Profitability: Profitability is the link. The electricity supply must be ensured from an economic point of view, including amid the increasingly volatile feed-in of renewable energies. Markets reflect the demand for “green” energy sources. We aim to support and balance the expansion of the share of renewable energies through intelligent and short-term responsiveness, taking into account the supply situation and the market.