Next generation energy settlement system: Immediate saving, increased competitiveness

Eress is an open partnership between infrastructure managers Banedanmark, Infrabel, Jernbaneverket and Trafikverket. A non-profit organisation, jointly owned by its partners, Eress is committed to the development, implementation and supply of the Erex energy settlement system – a system that gives train operators total control over their train’s actual energy consumption. For Global Railway Review, Dyre Martin Gulbrandsen, Director of Eress, explains how Erex has been developed and what the advantages are, and further on in the article, Terje Stømer from Jernbaneverket comments on the importance of using actual energy consumption data from trains for billing purposes.

As the leading energy settlement system on the market, Erex offers infrastructure managers the chance to strengthen railway transport through increased competiveness. Having been developed by the users, the system also offers a unique opportunity to lead instead of follow technological development.

“Over recent years, Erex has proven its position as the leading energy settlement system on the market,” says Dyre Martin Gulbrandsen. “It gives train operators total control over the trains’ actual energy consumption. Through Erex, train operators can see in detail how much, when and where they consume their energy. Used to implement and measure real energy saving initiatives, Erex data brings an immediate saving in energy costs. Documented results have shown savings up to 30% on measured journeys. This means great figures are shown on the bottom line. Reduced energy costs not only mean higher profitability, but it also brings increased financial flexibility for reduced ticket and freight prices, improved services and other benefits. All together it increases your competitiveness against other transport modes.”

Cross-European solution

Erex is a unique solution for cross-European railway traffic due to its flexible configuration. It is easily adapted to any existing system and energy measuring solution. According to Dyre Martin Gulbrandsen, the system is built to fulfil and comply with any technical require – ments and local regulations.

“The partners of Eress are actively involved in the European standardisation process to ensure a continuous improvement and compliance with standards,” remarks Dyre Martin Gulbrandsen. “The Erex system is always kept up-to-date with new standards as its owners and users design it, ensuring that the system meets any future railway needs. Erex works on a truly cross-border basis, inde – pendently from any country or any train operator involved.”

Leading technological development

Erex is jointly owned by railway infrastructure managers who equally share all costs and benefits. They actively work together to make the use of energy more effective and standardised. New partners are welcomed to join with the same rights and obligations as existing partners. Dyre Martin Gulbrandsen is calling all infrastructure managers and railway undertakings from Europe to save and earn from Erex.

“Everyone using the system has influence and can develop Erex according to their needs. Being a demand driven system, Erex will answer competitively to both national and European requirements and will always be up-to-date regarding every possible standard to come. We are leading the technological development and everyone is welcome to join in,” concludes Dyre Martin Gulbrandsen.

About the Erex System

The Erex system has been successfully implemented and is currently used by Banedanmark (the Danish National Railway Agency), Trafikverket (the Swedish Transport Administration), Jernbaneverket (the Norwegian National Rail Administration), and Infrabel (the Belgian Railway Infrastructure Manager). Three other countries are currently testing the solution.

About the author

Dyre Martin Gulbrandsen holds the position of Director of Eress and has been responsible for the development, implementation and daily operation of Erex since its very beginning. Dyre Martin Gulbrandsen holds a Master of Science degree in Industrial Economics and Technology Management and is certificated in financial energy analysis. He has long experience working within the energy and railway market. Since 2003, Dyre Martin Gulbrandsen has been working as Energy Trading Manager at the Norwegian National Rail Administration. His areas of responsibility include energy procurement, settlement and billing in the Norwegian railway network.