SBB obtains the majority of the power used by its trains from a renewable source: in 2011 over 75 percent of the electricity came from hydroelectric power produced in our own hydroelectric power stations or in partner stations.

Producing our own power guarantees a high level of continuity of supply and makes SBB relatively independent of price fluctuations on the electricity market. To cover the residual demand for power, SBB has taken a share in French nuclear power stations and purchases power on the free market as required.

Unlike other major railways, SBB hardly resorts to fossil fuels at all. A further benefit of hydroelectric power is the low losses in power generation. SBB's primary energy consumption is thus low by comparison with energy supply from fossil energy sources.

Although hydroelectric power stations are clean, their output does depend on the weather. At times of high precipitation, the power stations produce more electricity than is required for railway operations. In dry periods, the volume of water is, on the other hand, insufficient to fully cover SBB's power requirements.

Securing a power supply.

SBB wants to continue to offer its customers attractive, economically and environmentally sustainable mobility services in the future. It will also be expanding its service range over the next few years, which will also increase energy requirements. As of 2013, the company will use 100 percent renewable energy from hydroelectric sources to cover these additional requirements. The proportion of renewable energy used to power the railways will thus rise to over 80 percent.

SBB is also contributing 36 percent of the costs for the construction of the Nant de Drance pumped storage hydrostation between the dams of Emosson and Vieux Emosson in Valais to cover future peaks in demand. The company is also planning work at other hydroelectric power stations in order to obtain more energy from the existing facilities.