How Jernhusen is preparing for a crisis: “We cannot assume that public services will always be there”

Travel information displays go dark, toilets stop working and trains cannot be deiced at the depots. When power and heating fail, the impact extends well beyond the stations themselves. Against a changing security landscape, Jernhusen is identifying which functions must keep running.

Sweden’s railway stations do more than connect the country geographically. Experience from Ukraine shows that stations also become places where people can meet, buy coffee, charge their phones and access public information when everyday life is disrupted, says Per Forsling, Head of Sustainability, Digitalisation and Security at Jernhusen. The state-owned company owns stations, depots and terminals across Sweden’s rail network.

“It is like a town square, but indoors. We believe stations could serve the same purpose here if essential services are disrupted, during a heightened state of alert or in wartime,” he says.

For stations to fulfil that role, Jernhusen needs to secure their energy supply. The company already has backup power but is reviewing whether additional capacity is needed.

“We do not know whether the grid will still supply power when a disruption occurs, or whether we will be given priority. We cannot assume that public services will always be there in a crisis. That is why we need to take responsibility for keeping our operations running,” says Per Forsling.

A changing security landscape demands clear priorities

Which of Jernhusen’s services can customers and society rely on, even if the power goes out? To answer that question, the company has carried out business continuity planning to identify critical activities and determine which functions, employees and subcontractors are needed to maintain them when normal operations are disrupted.

“We probably would not have done this if the security situation had not changed. Now we need to prioritise, because not everything can come first,” says Per Forsling.

Energy solutions must meet operational needs

In winter, when temperatures fall well below freezing, trains arrive at the depots like giant “blocks of ice”, as Per Forsling describes them. Deicing them takes a great deal of energy, creating a very different challenge from that of a typical office building. To reduce energy use, Jernhusen is using AI to control its systems and shifting energy demand to reduce peaks in electricity and heating consumption. This can help lower both costs and environmental impact.

“Backup power is essential if we are to keep operating when the electricity supply is disrupted. The right technology depends on what it needs to do.”

Jernhusen already uses battery storage to power a sprinkler system, for example, but storing enough energy to deice trains presents an entirely different challenge.

“The batteries would have to be enormous. It is not practical, but batteries can certainly work in some applications,” says Per Forsling.

At some locations, Jernhusen is exploring the potential of battery storage and solar panels. Energy partnerships with neighbouring property owners and diesel generators are other options under consideration.

When systems need to be operated manually

A cyberattack could disrupt operations even if the power supply remains intact. Jernhusen therefore regularly tests the security of its IT systems and the technology that controls its properties. If an attacker gains access, the impact must be contained to the affected site.

Per Forsling stresses that a substantial part of preparedness planning also involves understanding what employees can do if the systems go down.

“We need to understand how our own buildings work and have both the skills and the instructions to operate their systems without IT support. If the digital controls fail, we must still be able to start and stop the equipment manually.”

Start by simulating a power outage

The ability to keep operating when systems fail is a useful starting point for testing an organisation’s preparedness. Per Forsling encourages other property owners to apply the same approach specifically to their energy supply.

“Talk to your industry peers and help each other. What happens if your electricity or heating supply stops? How long can you manage? And what is your plan? Start with a power outage and work through what it would mean for your operations.”

This helps organisations identify what action is needed and where, says Per Forsling. The result might be an investment, training or instructions so that employees know what to do in a crisis.

In February 2027, Per Forsling will speak at Clima Energy Nordic, the Nordic region’s first meeting place for sustainable and energy-efficient properties. He will discuss how the changing security landscape is shaping the property sector’s approach to preparedness.

“I look forward to sharing our experiences and hearing from others,” he concludes.

Want to hear more from Per Forsling? He will be speaking at the Clima Energy Nordic conference on 4 February. Explore the conference program >>

About Clima Energy Nordic

Clima Energy Nordic is the first Nordic meeting place focused on efficient energy use in cooling, heating and ventilation for indoor climate. On 2–4 February 2027 at Svenska Mässan in Gothenburg, property owners, installers, suppliers, experts and decision makers will come together to share knowledge, create business opportunities and jointly drive the development of energy efficient and sustainable buildings.

Learn more about Clima Energy Nordic and book your ticket »