The energy-mobility system in transition: The case of the Swiss Federal Railways

Abstract

A convergence of the electricity and the transportation sectors can be observed, with private and public transport being increasingly electrified and with aggregated electricity demand and storage being increasingly operated as flexible assets. At the same time, sustainability concerns are driving systemic changes in both systems. This article introduces the concept of the energy-mobility system, which is a result of this convergence, and proposes an integrated framework for policy and governance of the energy-mobility system. The framework focuses on cross-sectoral policy ambitions related to climate change mitigation, namely reducing energy consumption, electrifying fossil fueled transport, decarbonizing electricity generation, promoting resilience, and integrating green infrastructure management. Public policy and the corresponding regulation are no longer conceptualized and executed in each sector separately. An integrated policy framework is indeed needed for the energy-mobility system, so that the institutions remain relatively aligned with the technological developments. The requirements for effective governance of the energy-mobility system are then discussed, which include an energy-mobility system operator. The potential for the policy and governance framework is addressed through a case study of the Swiss Federal Railways, which as the owner and operator of a fully electrified rail network and associated electricity infrastructure is already close to taking up such a role. While the Swiss case is unique, it can offer insight for other countries developing their regulatory approach to the convergence of the energy and mobility systems.