Stadtwerke Frankfurt (Oder) and Data Cybernetics achieve a breakthrough in combined heat and power optimization
Data-driven real-time optimization with the Data Cybernetics energy software “Gramian Grid” raises the efficiency and profitability of municipal energy supply.
Frankfurt (Oder), 14 April 2026 - How can thermal storage and combined heat and power (CHP) plants be controlled so that they not only secure supply, but capture the maximum market advantage? That question has been the focus of the partnership between Data Cybernetics and Stadtwerke Frankfurt (Oder) since 2024. After a successful analysis phase, the project is now entering its decisive stage: moving the optimization into fully automated real-time operation – made possible by Gramian Grid, the specialized software solution developed at Data Cybernetics.
Putting market volatility to work
In what is known as a shadow optimization, the partners analyzed real operating data from 2024. The aim was to put a precise figure on the value of the asset portfolio’s flexibility – comprising CHP units and thermal storage – against continuous intraday trading (EPEX). Unlike static price models, the energy market responds to supply and demand within seconds. By simulating active market access, the partners demonstrated that repeated optimization at short intervals generates substantial additional revenue. The result: an identified flexibility potential of around 5,000 euros per megawatt (MW) per year. It is achieved through the intelligent interplay of thermal storage and a data-driven operating strategy that deliberately exploits the market’s price fluctuations.
The next step: from analysis into fully automated practice
Following the successful “proof of concept” in simulated operation, the system is now being moved into day-to-day live operation step by step. The joint follow-up project builds on the capabilities of the Gramian Grid software solution and concentrates on three strategic priorities:
- Transition into real-time operation: The optimization models developed in Gramian Grid are integrated directly into productive control. The goal is to align the assets’ responses with the dynamics of the energy markets in real time.
- Seamless system integration: Building automated interfaces between forecasting tools and trading platforms ensures an uninterrupted flow of information. This minimizes delays and increases response speed.
- End-to-end process automation: Manual process steps are replaced by Data Cybernetics’ intelligent end-to-end solution. That frees specialist staff from routine tasks and ensures trading strategies are executed faultlessly around the clock.
“For us, the particular value of this project lies in the close, pragmatic collaboration with the energy procurement team and the control room on site,” explains Carsten Blank, Managing Director of Data Cybernetics. “With our product Gramian Grid, we create solutions that bring data-driven automation and real operational requirements together perfectly.”
The municipal utility of the future thinks in market terms
At many companies, market processes are still shaped by manual steps, which becomes an enormous burden when volatility is high. The approach taken by Stadtwerke Frankfurt (Oder) and Data Cybernetics shows that data-driven automation is the answer. In future, the algorithms will respond autonomously to price changes without putting security of supply at risk. “With this project we are taking a decisive step for the energy transition and the transformation of heat,” emphasizes Marcel Georgi, Stadtwerke Frankfurt (Oder). “Through automated sector coupling and smart energy procurement, we are unlocking new revenue potential in intraday trading and linking the electricity and heat markets more closely than ever before.”
About Data Cybernetics
Data Cybernetics is a specialized technology partner for digital transformation and the markets of the future. The company develops high-performance solutions in the core areas of energy and quantum, along with an integrated platform for complex data processes.
At the heart of Data Cybernetics’ energy division is its in-house product Gramian Grid, software for the data-driven optimization and automation of asset portfolios. Data Cybernetics helps municipal utilities, energy suppliers and industrial companies master market volatility with confidence and realize the full potential of their flexibility. By combining deep energy-sector expertise with pioneering technologies such as quantum computing, Data Cybernetics secures the profitability and long-term viability of technical assets in a connected world.
About Stadtwerke Frankfurt (Oder)
As a strong municipal company, Stadtwerke Frankfurt (Oder) has provided energy supply and other services from a single source for more than 30 years. With our modern power plant site, we ensure economical heat and electricity supply in our region and guarantee our customers first-class service at favorable prices. The intelligent, demand-driven control of our generation assets enables us to participate optimally in the energy market. Assets and operating strategy are adjusted flexibly on the basis of heat demand and current price developments. This is how we seize market opportunities and maximize our contribution margin. With our experience and economic strength, we are the reliable partner for optimal basic supply in the region.
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