Providing a comprehensive understanding of grid orchestration, its challenges, and the transformative potential it holds, this eBook focuses on:

1. Grid Orchestration: The art of harmonising diverse energy sources, demand patterns, and grid infrastructure.
   • Explore the role of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and predictive analytics in optimising grid operations.
     
2. Decentralisation: The shift toward decentralised energy production.
   • Decentralised grids empower local communities, enhance resilience, and reduce reliance on centralised power plants.
     
3. Smart Grids: Smart grid technologies, including advanced sensors, real-time data analytics, and demand-side management.
   • Smart grids enable efficient load balancing, fault detection, and self-healing capabilities.
     
4. Cybersecurity Challenges: Grid orchestration faces cybersecurity threats due to increased connectivity.
   • The importance of robust security measures to safeguard critical infrastructure.
     
5. Renewable Integration: Integrating renewable energy sources seamlessly into the grid.
   • Addressing challenges related to intermittency, storage, and grid stability.
     
6. Policy and Regulation: Policy frameworks and regulatory aspects influencing grid orchestration.
   • Balancing innovation with compliance is crucial for a sustainable energy future.

Watch the latest interview with Microsoft:
Accelerating the energy transition with Artificial Intelligence

“Orchestrating the Grid” eBook, serves as a roadmap for energy professionals, policymakers, and researchers. By embracing grid orchestration, together we can create a resilient, efficient, and sustainable energy future.

If you analyse the decisions being made in the energy sector globally, it becomes very clear that there is a strategic movement to not only have abundant and sustainable clean energy, but to also ensure that the systems at the heart of the infrastructure itself are well protected by the most state-of-the-art security measures available.

Since we live in an era that is dominated by digital advancements, and the sheer volume of sensitive information being transferred will continue to grow, the need for robust and trustworthy security measures becomes exponentially more important. An integral part of a well-defined data security system is how the encrypted data itself is managed, alongside the ‘encryption keys’ used at various stages of the process.

Centralized control and enhanced security:

Let’s picture a scenario for a moment: You wish to set up a smart-metering AMI that includes the option for prepayment, and one of the many considerations you’ll have to make is how you’re going to protect the transfer of credit from a POS into a meter.

The simple answer is to use cryptographic algorithms to securely encrypt/decrypt the data. This is only one part of it, however, as you still need to figure out how this entire system is managed. With that in mind, there are essentially two options when it comes to managing a system like this…

The first option is to design your own system from scratch, which leaves you at the mercy of your own design choices, but it also means that your system would be proprietary. When trying to source suppliers that would be compatible with your system, you ultimately end up with a situation of ‘supplier lock in’, which has many downsides to it.

This would negatively affect the growth of your infrastructure, as many suppliers / vendors would refuse to create “unique products” that only work when used with your proprietary system. This is very limiting and not an ideal situation for the long term.

The second option is to go with an existing, already globally accepted system. The KMC (Key Management Centre) provided by the STS is a centralized secure facility for managing cryptographic keys that are used across all STS certified systems globally.

It simplifies the Key Management process by being a fully ready ‘plug and play’ option that allows you to scale your infrastructure easily without becoming complicated. It achieves this seamlessly because it was designed to be fully interoperable at all levels, no matter the size of your infrastructure, or how many suppliers/vendors you wish to have.

Read more news from STS

Mitigation of threats:

The STS subscribes to the best practices for Key-Management, Key-Security, and Key-Generation. This is then combined with a few simple, but very important features regarding the functionality of the keys themselves – Namely: KEY REFRESH, KEY EXPIRY and KEY REVOCATION. These form an important part of the latest STS Specification Suite, and when used correctly, can give each user/owner peace of mind by giving them full control of the lifespan and functionality of their keys.

These features also play a critical role in limiting the possibility of insider threats, and fraudulent behaviour such as ‘ghost vending’. If your keys are ever compromised, you can contact the KMC via a dedicated email gateway that is available 24/7 throughout the year to revoke your keys, giving you yet another layer of added security. In the unlikely event that the KMC itself is ever compromised, there is a fully functional ‘back-up’ KMC that is ready to step in, so there will be zero interruption to the services and functionality offered.

Conclusion:

In Conclusion, the energy landscape and the security requirements involved are constantly growing and evolving, and having a secure system to manage sensitive data is truly a fundamental component that cannot be overlooked. The Key Management Centre provided by the STS is one of those solutions, as it serves as a ‘fixed point’ that all Utilities, Electricity Vendors, and Prepayment System Manufacturers can rely on. No matter the size of your infrastructure, the STS and its associated KMC will provide a Simple, Trusted and Secure solution for your prepayment systems worldwide, and for the foreseeable future.

For more information about the STSA, please visit our website at www.sts.org.za

Written by STSA

The Standard Transfer Specification (STS) has become recognized as the only globally accepted open standard for prepayment systems, ensuring interoperability between system components from different manufacturers of prepayment systems.

At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. We are a B2B technology innovation leader pioneering the future where networks meet cloud. Today, consumers are empowered to generate and are beginning to trade their own energy. We are delivering the next evolution in critical networking through technology leadership and trusted partnerships: ‘networks that sense, think and act’.

Recognized as one of 2023’s “World’s Most Ethical Companies” by Ethisphere, we adhere to the highest ethical business standards as we create technology with social purpose, quality and integrity. Nokia is enabling the infrastructure for 5G and the Internet of Things to transform the human experience.

Read more news from Nokia

The shift from estimated billing to prepaid meters has not only gained the trust of water utility customers but has also led to a range of positive outcomes for both consumers and service providers.

One of the key drivers in the adoption of prepaid water meter billing has been the customer demand for transparency and control over their water consumption.

Many customers who were not yet connected to the traditional billing system have actively requested prepaid meters, as they prefer the ability to pay for the water they consume.

This shift has empowered customers to monitor and manage their water usage, leading to conscious efforts to reduce or completely eliminate wastage in their households.

With the ability to track their consumption in real-time, customers have become more mindful of their water usage, thereby contributing to the conservation of water resources.

In addition to empowering consumers, the transition to prepaid water meter billing has also proved to be beneficial for water utility companies.

By encouraging efficient water use among customers, utility companies have seen a reduction in overall water wastage, ultimately conserving water resources.

This has enabled these companies to serve more customers while experiencing an increase in revenues.

The ability to accurately measure and charge for water consumption has not only improved the financial performance of water utility companies but has also allowed them to better allocate resources to serve their expanding customer base.

While the advantages of prepaid water meter billing are evident, the scale-up of smart water meters in operations has been hindered by financial limitations faced by water utility companies.

Despite the demand from customers, the paucity of funds has posed a challenge to the widespread implementation of this innovative billing system.

As a result, water utility companies are looking to manufacturers of smart water meters to develop strategic marketing options that can facilitate the penetration of these meters into market.

Read more news from LAISON

LAISON makes strides in this regard. LAISON has catered to the preferences and requirements of water utility customers by offering convenient vending options, including online payments.

This has made it possible for customers to purchase water at their convenience, enhancing their overall experience with the metering system.

Moreover, LAISON has provided strong technical support to water utility companies, ensuring proactive problem-solving and maintenance, which has further solidified the trust between the utility companies and their customers.

In light of the demand for prepaid water meter billing and the potential for widespread adoption, manufacturers like LAISON have the opportunity to play a pivotal role in driving the market for smart water meters.

Through strategic marketing initiatives and continued innovation, these manufacturers can contribute to the realization of a more efficient and sustainable water management system in the country.

As the demand for prepaid water meter billing continues to grow and gain traction among customers, it is essential for water utility companies and manufacturers to collaborate in overcoming the financial constraints that impede the widespread adoption of smart water meters.

By leveraging the benefits of prepaid metering systems and addressing the funding limitations, both parties can work towards realizing a more efficient, transparent, and customer-centric water billing infrastructure across the nation.

In conclusion, the migration from estimated billing to prepaid water meter billing systems has ushered in a positive transformation in the water utility sector.

Customers have embraced the control and transparency offered by prepaid meters, leading to a conscious effort to conserve water and eliminate wastage.

Water utility companies have benefited from improved revenues and resources, as they strive to meet the increasing demands of their customer base.

With strategic collaborations and innovative marketing approaches, manufacturers like LAISON have the opportunity to further facilitate the widespread adoption of smart water meters, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and efficient water management ecosystem.

When you’re talking about energy transfer in a smart city, interoperability offers a multitude of benefits that enhance the efficiency, security, and functionality of the smart-metering systems (post-payment and prepayment) that are connected to the AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure).

Efficient resource management

Interoperability allows different components of a smart city such as transportation systems, energy grids, and public services, to communicate and share data. This facilitates more efficient resource management by optimizing the use of energy, water, and other essential resources.

The Standard Transfer Specification, or STS, is a globally accepted open standard for prepayment systems that ensures interoperability between various manufacturers and service providers. There are many other prepayment standards out there, with an array of design and functionality options to suit your market’s needs.

However, creating something ‘too customized’ can potentially lead you down the path of ‘Supplier Lock-In’ – Which is the very thing STS was created to prevent. The STS achieves this ‘true interoperability’ through a meticulous product certification process, to ensure that every system approved is compliant, so it can remain a ‘simple, trusted, and secure’ solution for all your prepayment & smart prepayment requirements.

Read more news from STS Association

Improved revenue protection

When it comes to managing resources, you also need to consider managing the risks associated with your ‘smart energy systems’, or more specifically, the cryptographic keys used in the secure encryption and transfer of credit within your AMI. This is the exact situation where having a state-of-the-art key management system becomes extremely valuable.

This is one of the core services offered by the STS Association, and features some very important security upgrades that make our system stand out. The ability to have complete control of your LIVE vending keys is of prime importance for the security of your prepayment revenue, and this is achieved through a ‘key refresh’ and ‘key revocation’ feature.

If your LIVE vending keys are ever compromised, your risk of revenue loss is very limited because you can now set the lifespan of a key (key refresh) and revoke the functionality of the compromised key (key revocation) at any time.

The Key Management Centre (KMC) encrypts the keys with a AES192 CCM (192 bit) and is a secure server facility with a fully operational backup facility, both of which can be accessed via an email gateway with 24/7 access throughout the year.

Promotion of innovation

The true interoperability achieved through STS certification opens procurement options from any approved supplier, which not only ensures innovation, but encourages a collaborative ecosystem between all enterprises involved.

In conclusion, the benefits of a truly interoperable AMI within a smart city are multifaceted, ranging from energy efficiency and functionality to security and revenue protection. As cities worldwide continue their journey toward becoming smarter and more sustainable, prioritizing interoperability remains a key factor in unlocking the full potential of these technological advancements for the benefit of everyone.

For more information about the STS Smart Metering, please visit our website at www.sts.org.za

Written by STSA

The Standard Transfer Specification (STS) has become recognized as the only globally accepted open standard for prepayment systems, ensuring interoperability between system components from different manufacturers of prepayment systems.

To all Utilities and municipalities gearing up for this crucial project. Make sure you’re not left behind. The clock is ticking, the time is now.

Read more news from STS Association

Come learn how to better orchestrate the sustainable energy grid – you won’t want to miss it!  

We think Glasgow is the perfect host city for Orchestrate 2024 – and for good reason.

Glasgow is the largest city in a country known as a leader in the energy transition. A large percentage of Scotland’s electricity comes from renewable sources, and the country is moving quickly to reach its Net Zero targets.

The city of Glasgow has become a knowledge hub for engineers, scientists, grid operators, and energy thought leaders interested in learning (and replicating!) Scotland’s successes with renewable energy.

Read more news from Greenbird

Why attend?

Orchestrate is GE Vernova’s premier event for OT and IT teams to learn how to accelerate their journey to a more sustainable grid. Every utility professional should attend Orchestrate Scotland 2024 to see how peers use GridOS to modernize the grid – don’t miss out!

• Learn from experts
• Discover new GridOS innovations
• Network with peers
• Hear from industry visionaries
• Level up your skills
• Mingle with partners

An evening at the museum

Orchestrate Scotland 2024’s signature evening activity will feature a night out at the famed Glasgow Science Centre (GSC).

The GSC is more than just another museum. It’s the home of a key exhibit called “Powering the Future,” perfectly complimenting our focus on orchestrating the sustainable energy grid. The exhibit takes an in-depth look at the toughest challenges of the energy transition and our opportunity to leverage innovation to ease them – not unlike what we do with GridOS!

It will be the perfect backdrop for an evening of great food, entertainment, networking with industry leaders and peers united by their common mission of – what else? – powering the future. Come join us and see for yourself!

Learn more about the event and register today!

But grid operators are often handling these changes with an ageing infrastructure that wasn’t built with a distributed energy system in mind.

We need a new approach that can manage power grid complexity and ensure the grid will accelerate the energy transition, not hold it back.

Software underpinned with a strong data foundation is key. When energy utilities make this a priority, grid complexity can be effectively managed, providing a resilient power supply even as we shift to cleaner energy.

What is grid orchestration and why is it critical in 2024?

The energy transition is reshaping utilities’ business model. As renewables and DERs grow exponentially, utilities must manage external assets as well as their own.

Existing grid management tools help operators manage specific areas of the grid. But they don’t offer much coordination across the entire energy system. And it’s this coordination that’s critical in a distributed grid.

In other words, we need to move from grid management to grid orchestration.

How? Through digital orchestration infrastructure.

This brings technology alignment, utilities can achieve end-to-end orchestration across the entire grid ecosystem. And it’s what GridOS has been designed to deliver, moving us closer to fully integrated and flexible grid operations.

With Grid Orchestration, utilities can manage escalating grid complexity in a distributed energy environment.

Read more news from Greenbird

Here are the 5 biggest priorities for energy utilities in 2024.

1. Grid modernization: Invest for the future in 2024

The shift to renewable power is accelerating, but it needs to go further, faster to meet net zero targets according to IEA Director, Fatih Birol.

An IEA study found that the world must add or replace 80 million km in the grid by 2040 or risk hampering the energy transition, impacting energy security.

Fatih Birol, Executive Director of IEA warned the grid is at risk of becoming a bottleneck (View image).

Preparing the grid for the future means:

• Integrating and managing more intermittent renewable energy and DERs
• Accommodating electrification and growing demand for power
• Planning for an omnidirectional flow of energy in a distributed energy system
• Viewing energy consumers as partners

Grid modernization is a daunting task, but it’s now a priority. And there are steps utilities can take in 2024 that will help them manage power grid complexity and prepare the power grid for the future.

Grid modernization solutions: Steps to take in 2024

By implementing Grid Orchestration Software, utilities can tackle the complex task of balancing a sustainable energy system. Grid operators can leverage real-time data and apply advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).

With grid orchestration software, utilities can manage supply and demand dynamically and tackle the toughest grid modernization challenges, including:

• Regulating the flow of power across the network, ensuring a resilient and reliable supply, even with a greater share of intermittent renewables
• Incorporating new renewable resources into the grid
• Connecting DERs into the grid and managing the omnidirectional flow to and from prosumers
• Integrating existing systems and solutions into the sustainable energy grid
• Achieving a unified view of the entire network

2. Build a resilient grid. Protect your energy supply against extreme weather

Managing uncertainty is never easy. But in recent years the world has faced an endless catalog of severe weather events. Storms, floods, wildfires, droughts, extreme temperatures – weather events are becoming more intense and more frequent.

The increase in weather events is coinciding with the push to renewables and electrification. This puts enormous pressure on power generation,transmission and the distribution network. Power supply and demand is more unpredictable and harder to manage, impacting power grid resilience.

Steps to take in 2024: Implementing Grid Orchestration Software

Software has become essential in managing the grid. In the past, many solutions have focused on specific areas. In a distributed system with so many variables, Grid Operators need a more coordinated approach.

Grid Orchestration Software offers an intelligent, flexible and integrated software platform.

Grid Orchestration Software harnesses data, putting AI and Machine Learning to work. At its core is a data fabric with modern technologies and methods that allow you to unleash the value of data to transform data into intelligent automation and actionable insights.

By leveraging GridOS applications, both innovative new apps as well as modernized proven apps become composable solutions that are modular, interoperable and flexible. It enables you to optimize grid operations, ensure resilience and a reliable electricity supply, whilst deploying more renewables, DERs and volatile energy services the help accelerate the energy transition.

3. Break down silos. Make data accessible

Siloed data makes the complex task of operating a sustainable grid even more challenging. Utilities need a unified view of data across the entire system, from generation to transmission and distribution, including DERs. And they need this data in as close to real time as possible to respond dynamically to changing conditions whilst balancing supply and demand.

This relies on the free flow of data throughout the utility and across the many (and growing) organizations in the energy ecosystem.

When information about energy infrastructure and grid performance, ends up siloed, employees resort to manual workarounds that result in inefficiencies and human error that has an impact on grid resiliency.

Steps to Take in 2024: Make Data Accessible Across the Network

A federated grid data fabric that utilizes effective integration principles offers a modern and future proof solution. It simplifies the complexities of data integration and ensures data quality across the energy ecosystem.

When energy utilities can access data throughout the network, they can achieve real-time, end to end visibility. They can leverage real-time data, advanced analytics, and machine learning, helping them to make better decisions, accelerate innovation, and improve efficiencies.

With a grid data fabric, managing power grid complexity becomes easier. Data and system silos are broken down, operators can use simulations, predictive operations, and automated grid control, ultimately leading to a more reliable energy supply.

4. Automate grid processes

Automation is vital in managing the increased complexity of a sustainable power grid and helps to fast-track utilities’ grid modernization process.

Today’s digitalized energy grid is fed by distributed data collected from millions of data points. With effective integration, more data sources deliver more enriched data and an improved view of the grid. Grid Operators can make better decisions, even at the near real-time speeds now needed.

But traditional manual processes struggle to keep pace with today’s data volumes and grid complexity.

Steps to take in 2024: Coordinate multiple automation processes

Advanced software solutions enable utilities to react to change in real-time, automatically responding when conditions change. But when solutions are delivered via a comprehensive Grid Orchestration platform, utilities can coordinate multiple automation processes across the network. This helps build efficiencies and delivers a more reliable and resilient service.

• When it comes to developing a sustainable gird, automation can take over key processes, including:
• Automating DER scheduling and DER optimization
• Voltage management
• Automating Fault Isolation and Service Restoration

Automation leads to fewer outages and faster restoration times. Utilities can quickly spot issues and deal with them before they cause major disruption for customers. The result? less disruption to customers and a more reliable energy supply.

5. Protect your utility’s mission critical infrastructure

The energy sector is a prime target for threat actors with cyberattacks on utilities increasing by 118% between 2020 and 2022.

Day-to-day management relies on data exchange between all nodes of the energy ecosystem, including with consumers and DERs. But this creates a huge array of vulnerabilities ready for cybercriminals to exploit.

Software applications, sensors, IoT devices, hybrid cloud, APIs – every source bringing data into the utility is a potential risk.

With a distributed energy model, the traditional approach of guarding the company’s network perimeter no longer works.

Enter Zero Trust.

Steps to take in 2024: Build a Zero Trust environment

Never trust. Always verify.

In a Zero Trust model, all users, even those within the utility, are continuously authenticated, authorized, and validated. Access to data and resources is only given when it’s needed by employees to complete a particular task.

A Zero Trust model assumes everyone and everything is a potential threat. Utility assets and networks are constantly monitored so potential threats or unauthorized activity are quickly identified. The information is used to continuously improve defences.

With next-generation grid orchestration software like GridOS, a Zero Trust security model is in-built to utility IT architecture.

Today’s consumers take notice of how businesses look after their data. In 2024 utilities need to become less trusting to become more trustworthy to users and to safeguard critical infrastructure.

The energy industry is rapidly adjusting to a more sustainable grid. This new model is underpinned by proliferating data points leading to escalating power grid complexity. Key to managing this is effective Grid Orchestration software, supported by a strong data foundation.

Greenbird’s data integration platform, Utilihive, is now accelerating GE Vernova’s GridOS®. Utilihive is a leading-edge integration platform that’s been developed specifically for utilities. It streamlines data integration cutting deployment times. The Utilihive integration platform works to unlock data silos, enables advanced analytics, and delivers enhanced scalability and flexibility.

Utilihive synergizes seamlessly with GridOS, boosting its capabilities. GridOS is the world’s first software portfolio designed specifically for grid orchestration, adding new capabilities for connecting systems and integrating data across the grid more easily and at scale.

Escalating power grid complexity is a challenge for utilities. But managing this complexity also results in a more efficient, modern and resilient grid. There’s a lot to be excited about in 2024.

About Greenbird by GE Vernova

Greenbird is an international solution and technology company with roots in Norway. We simplify the complexity of Big Data Integration to help organizations unlock the value of their data and mission critical applications. Our flagship innovation, Utilihive, is a cloud-native platform combining enterprise integration capabilities with a data lake optimized for energy use cases.

Greenbird was founded in 2010 with a mission to revolutionize how the energy industry thinks about enterprise system integration. Today, Utilihive is used by utilities across Europe, Middle East and Asia serving more than 50 million consumers.

GE Vernova acquired Greenbird in August 2023 to accelerate GridOS innovation and help utilities reduce the complexity of energy data integration. Visit GE Vernova’s website for more about GridOS Orchestration Software.

To all utilities and municipalities gearing up for this crucial project. Make sure you’re not left behind. The clock is ticking, the time is now.

Read more news from STS Association

From thought-provoking discussions to cutting-edge innovations, we’ve got the inside scoop on the most buzz-worthy topics that took centre stage at this electrifying event.

The rise of renewable energy

Renewable energy stole the spotlight at Enlit Paris, as experts and industry leaders explored the growing importance of sustainable power generation. From solar and wind to hydropower and beyond, the discussions revolved around harnessing the potential of renewable sources, overcoming challenges, and paving the way for a greener future.

Smart grids and digitalization

The power of smart grids and digitalization was a hot topic of conversation at Enlit Paris. While experts delved into the transformative potential of advanced technologies like IoT, AI, and data analytics, I couldn’t help but notice a significant gap in preparedness across most European countries when it comes to real-time data acquisition. The lack of adequate data transmission frequency and data processing capabilities poses a challenge for optimizing energy distribution and achieving efficient energy management. It’s clear that there’s still work to be done in this area to fully harness the benefits of digitalization in the energy sector.

Energy storage and grid flexibility

As the demand for clean energy grows, so does the need for effective energy storage solutions and grid flexibility. Enlit Paris provided a platform to discuss the latest advancements in energy storage technologies, such as batteries and pumped hydro, and how they contribute to grid stability and integration of intermittent renewable sources.

Read more news from CLOU

Electrification of transportation

The electrification of transportation was a captivating subject at Enlit Paris, as industry experts explored the transition from fossil fuel-powered vehicles to electric mobility. From electric cars to buses, bikes, and charging infrastructure, the discussions centred around the challenges, benefits, and future prospects of electrified transportation systems.

Momentum Loss in Energy Transition

The most discussed topic revolved around the momentum loss in the energy transition and strategies to overcome it. Despite the global push towards a sustainable energy future, several factors have hindered the progress of this crucial transformation. The main reasons behind this seem to be:

• Supply chain weaknesses
  One crucial factor contributing to the slowdown of the energy transition is the presence of supply chain weaknesses. From the production of renewable energy technologies to the distribution of energy-efficient components, the global supply chain faces challenges such as material shortages, logistical complexities, and production bottlenecks.
  
• Inflexible grid infrastructure
  The limitations of the existing grid infrastructure have emerged as a significant hurdle in the energy transition. As the demand for renewable energy increases, the grid must adapt to accommodate intermittent power sources and decentralized generation. However, the inflexibility of traditional grid infrastructure poses challenges in integrating renewable energy effectively.
  
• Lack of customer engagement
  Engaging customers in the energy transition is vital for its success, but a lack of awareness, understanding, and incentives can hinder their active participation. Many consumers may not be fully aware of the benefits and opportunities associated with renewable energy adoption or energy efficiency measures.
  
• Political will
  To make the energy transition work, its important to have strong political support and a good plan for the market. However, inconsistent policies, regulatory uncertainties, and inadequate market mechanisms can impede progress.
  
• Uncompleted digitalization
  Digitalization plays a pivotal role in optimizing energy systems, improving efficiency, and enabling effective integration of renewable energy resources. However, incomplete digitalization programs can hinder the energy transition’s momentum.
  
• Unpredictable cost explosion
  The cost of transitioning to renewable energy sources remains a significant challenge. While renewable technologies have become more affordable over the years, upfront costs, financing challenges, and the need for infrastructure upgrades can still pose financial barriers.

Exhibition presentation

While the discussions at the exhibition primarily revolved around industry innovations, there was an off-topic aspect that caught my attention. The absence of carpet tiles on the floors between the booths left a rather unfinished and unsightly impression. The black, dirty surface, adorned with unsightly marks from forklifts, detracted from the overall appearance of the exhibition.

Although the organizer’s commitment to environmental protection is commendable, it is evident that there could have been a better solution to maintain a polished and professional ambience. Interestingly, the exhibition floors on the third floor, painted in a well-coordinated light grey, showcased a more pleasant and inviting atmosphere. It’s a gentle reminder that even small details can significantly impact the overall exhibition experience.

Takeaway

Enlit Paris 2023 was a melting pot of ideas, innovation, and inspiration. From renewable energy to smart grids, energy storage, and electrification of transportation, the event showcased the dynamic nature of the electrical energy sector. As the world moves towards a more sustainable and efficient energy future, the conversations at Enlit Paris served as a catalyst for change and collaboration.

Thank you for joining me on this virtual journey through the most discussed topics at Enlit Paris 2023. Stay tuned for more electrifying articles, and until then, keep shining bright like a solar panel on a sunny day!

This presents significant challenges in accurately measuring and billing for these energy sources, as traditional metering methods designed for predominantly stable energy use patterns and limited electric flows are inadequate to accommodate increasing renewable energy installation, specifically in rural areas. In addition, most renewable energy installations are connected behind the utility’s meter, creating the need for bidirectional metering.

Traditional metering vs intermittent renewables

Traditionally, electricity meters were designed to measure and record the amount of energy consumed by a household or business. This worked well for traditional power sources, which produce a consistent output that can be easily measured and billed for. However, the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources means that traditional metering methods are no longer effective.

Intermittent renewables are affected by many factors such as weather, time of day, and geographic location. For example, a wind turbine may produce little to no power on a calm day or a solar panel may not produce energy during nighttime. Unlike traditional power sources, the output from these intermittent sources can vary and fluctuate greatly. This presents a challenge for utilities in ensuring the accurate billing of energy consumption.

The need for bi-directional metering

Bi-directional metering is a crucial element in the accurate measurement and billing of energy consumption from renewable energy sources. Current one-directional meters are unable to measure energy flowing back into the grid from renewable installations. Bi-directional meters are designed to accurately measure the flow of energy in both directions, thus enabling the utility to measure the amount of energy consumed by the user and the excess energy returned to the grid, which is then available to be resold.

The use of bi-directional metering also supports net metering policies, which allows customers with renewable energy systems to receive credit for any excess energy they generate. Essentially, customers are able to sell any excess electricity back to the utility, which is then sold to other customers. Net metering allows customers to offset their energy consumption and reduce their energy bills.

Read more news from CLOU

New metering technologies

New metering technologies have been developed to better integrate intermittent renewable energy sources into the grid. Smart meters, for example, are digital devices that can measure and record energy consumption in real-time, and are capable of communicating with the utility company to provide accurate readings of energy usage. With the use of smart meters, utilities can better integrate intermittent renewable energy into their grid systems and manage energy use more effectively.

Another tool that comes in handy when dealing with intermittent energy sources is called Demand Response (DR). DR comprises hardware and software installed on the customer’s side, which can be activated by the utility in case there is a surge in demand due to unexpected circumstances such as a power outage. DR can shift the energy demand to a later period, or can switch between different sources – including renewable energy sources and storage – to mitigate the impact of the uncertain energy supply due to intermittent energy generation, on the power grid.

Another solution is the use of net metering. This is a billing mechanism used by utilities that allows customers with renewable energy systems to receive credit for any excess energy they generate. Essentially, customers are able to sell any excess electricity back to the utility, which is then sold to other customers. Net metering allows customers to offset their energy consumption and reduce their energy bills.

Takeaway

The impact of intermittent renewables on electricity metering is significant. Traditional methods of metering are no longer effective in accurately measuring and billing for energy consumption. However, with the deployment of new metering technologies such as smart meters and net metering, utilities can better manage intermittent renewables and integrate them into their overall grid systems.

Data analytics can also play a key role in optimizing energy management and identifying potential issues with grid systems. In conclusion, it is imperative that utilities stay up-to-date with the latest metering solutions to ensure accurate billing and effective energy management.

Contact us today for more information about how we can help with your transition to renewable energy. Let’s work together to create a sustainable future.

Register to save your spot and we will send you a link.

eSIM technology is built to reduce metering manufacturing costs and scalability issues. IoT enhances smart meter deployments by supporting reliable continuity of data service with end-to-end security from chip to cloud.

Kigen is an Energy Web partner – read more news from Energy Web

In this webinar, we’ll explore:

• The value of eSIM in electric, gas and water smart metering
• Impact of increased connected devices on security and the utility infrastructure
• Profile customization of devices before leaving the factory
• Choosing the right cellular IoT technology and swapping connectivity provider remotely

Meet the speakers:

Paul Bradley, Regional VP Solutions Sales | Kigen

Allan Nielsen, Project Lead IOT Connectivity | Kamstrup

Andy Haig, M2M – Smart Metering and Smart Grid Business Development Manager | Vodafone

In the Netherlands, an increase in energy use in the last few years has been sped up by a goal to reduce carbon dioxide. The shift from gas to electrical as an energy source has put a strain on existing electrical cables and transformers.

The challenge

Stedin, a sustainable energy provider, needed to deploy large numbers of smart meters for Automatic Meter Reading and Smart Grid purposes to manage its grids smarter while avoiding an increase in labour and budget.

Through automation and data disclosure of their mid-voltage transformer stations, Stedin could manage energy flows and maintain the grids in a smarter and more efficient way. Several major hurdles stood in the way, however. First, Stedin needed a solution that eliminated vendor and technology lock-in, as well as being compliant with Dutch Smart Metering standards and new telecoms legislation for utilities.

Additionally, the lifecycle of these devices can last up to 20 years, which left the technology exposed to network sunsets and legacy carrier restrictions. As it stood, Stedin had roughly 1 million meters operating on 2G network technology, which is slated to sunset in 2025.

From a time-constraint perspective alone, Stedin needed to reset telecom devices at 25,000 transformer stations in order to set up chains from sensors and actuators in the field to their centralised headend systems. The thought of having to physically swap out SIM cards was too costly and time consuming to consider. Not to mention that traditional SIM cards also left the company more open to security breaches,
something they couldn’t afford as a critical business.

Stedin needed a future-proof plan – not just for the immediate future – but even further beyond. Their grid capacities would continue to see strain as electric options continued to be adopted. The solution needed to be able to address current strains but also find a way to shave peak usage, since continuing to expand the grid would cost the company too much. Stedin prides itself on offering sustainable, affordable energy to consumers, and having to pass down overhead costs to customers was not an option.

KORE is an Energy Web partner – read more news from Energy Web

The solution

KORE provided Stedin with a future-proofed eSIM solution. KORE eSIM is a global, multi-networked connectivity solution that meets the needs of any application right out of the box. With auto-provisioning capabilities, eSIM can be remotely and automatically optimised to local networks, as well as cut through the global headache of roaming fees. With a single, ruggedised SIM, devices will never face network shutdowns, meaning the eSIM lasts the entire lifecycle of a device for a maximum ROI.

Just as important is a carrier-independent interface with the implementation of a customer-specific profile that guarantees the ability to fully transfer services without the need to change the physical SIM. With an Over-the-air (OTA) interface and multi-IMSI SIM, the eSIM allows for remote management to add, remove, or overwrite IMSIs in bulk.

The SIM management platform supports Stedin in managing the SIM base and during its large-scale roll-out, the solution was configured to host Stedin-specific IMSI range to become its own Mobile Network Operator.

Stedin will not be locked in at the operator level anymore, thanks to the KORE eSIM solution.

The result

Using eSIM, Stedin was able to shift towards a data-driven grid operator that is more efficient. Stedin has had success in rolling out more than 1.7 million smart meters and will continue until they reach their goal of 2.2 million. The company is now in the process of shifting from a 2G technology meter to an LTE-M, due to the 2G network sunset.

Two powerful IoT applications that Stedin have been able realise start with the application of fault indicators. Instead of employees trying to identify the location of a short circuit, mechanics can see directly which cable was short-circuiting. The ability to pinpoint issues in the grid saves Stedin money and reduces the outage time for customers.

Secondly, Stedin is tackling fraud detection with enhanced IoT security. Illegal electricity tapping costs Stedin millions in financial losses each year. This fraud also causes overheated wiring and short circuits that can lead to domestic fires. Through IoT automation, fraud is now easily detected, driving cost savings, increased efficiency, and less risk.

About KORE

KORE, an Energy Web partner, is a pioneer, leader, and trusted advisor delivering transformative business performance. KORE empowers organizations of all sizes to improve operational and business results by simplifying the complexity of IoT. KORE has a deep IoT knowledge and experience, global reach, purpose-built solutions, and deployment agility to accelerate and materially impact customers’ business outcomes.

About Stedin

Sustainable energy for everyone. Stedin works on achieving this goal every day. So that its over two million customers can reside, work and live in the most urban and industrial regions of the Netherlands: the Province of Utrecht and the largest part of the Province of South Holland. Stedin is also the grid operator in the regions Kennermerland, Amstelland and North East Friesland.

To get started with future-proof connectivity, contact us to request a free eSIM starter kit.

The company already has 2,500 charging stations covering all Brazilian states. The client portfolio includes, Porsche, Volkswagen Trucks, Unilever, among others. GreenV is responsible for installing the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles of several automotive industries, as well fleet companies.

With a focus on distribution, installation of chargers for electric vehicles and technology for electromobility, GreenV uses KORE connectivity to communicate data at the time of charging with the management platform. This enables the adjustment of the charging rate according to the needs and electrical capacity of each vehicle.

To make this process smart and secure, it relies on KORE’s IoT technology to ensure customers have information on consumed energy, an individualised payment system and remote control of the recharge operation.

GreenV’s CEO, Junior Miranda, explains that the company uses technology to serve businesses in various segments, such as: fleet, retail chain, transportation company or even malls, hotels, and hospitals. Having to deal with several suppliers and technologies would be difficult, which led GreenV to KORE, where they find diversity of technologies and national connectivity coverage from a single vendor.

“When I say technology, I mean it broadly: the hardware, which is the charging equipment, and the software, which is the application made for those who use an electric vehicle. With it, connected to KORE, it is possible to identify the recharge points compatible with the vehicle in a specific route and be able to charge it appropriately. We also have a solution that manages all the recharge points, that is, the assets”, he details.

KORE is an Energy Web partner – read more news from Energy Web

Some charging points do not have any type of connectivity, so GreenV developed a “plug and play” device that makes them smart, and the partnership with KORE was essential to connect those chargers. “KORE’s solution was developed with the customer need in mind and allows us to scale the project with efficiency and quality. So, that is precisely why we consider this partnership to be very important”, said Miranda.

Another KORE differentiator is the solution offered to monitor charging points. David Souza, Technology Director at KORE, explains that, “Using this tool, it is possible to identify if any equipment has crashed or is transferring too much data. This allows the customer to analyse and make any necessary adjustment. In addition, it is possible to update the system remotely”.

GreenV is working towards doubling its revenue by the end of 2023, “It is a very promising and aggressive growth, backed by the market. No doubt, we can count on the KORE partnership with this challenge”, concluded Miranda.

About KORE

KORE, an Energy Web partner, is a pioneer, leader, and trusted advisor delivering mission critical IoT solutions and services. We empower organizations of all sizes to improve operational and business results by simplifying the complexity of IoT. Our deep IoT knowledge and experience, global reach, purpose-built solutions, and deployment agility accelerate and materially impact our customers’ business outcomes.

For more information visit eu.korewireless.com

About GreenV

GreenV, are a startup that was born to become the biggest reference in Electric Mobility Technology in Brazil. With a focus on distribution, installation of chargers for electric vehicles and technology for electromobility, always seeking to innovate and bring to this segment the excellence and quality expected in all aspects of our business.
For more information, visit www.greenv.com.br/

The demand for electrical activation in pay-per-use applications such as EV charging stations, marinas, campgrounds, and laundromats has sky-rocketed in recent years. The global market for self-service technology is anticipated to reach a valuation of $57 billion within the next five years.

And as a cashless society, the ability to request and pay for services on demand, and in remote locations is no longer aspirational, but essential. Competitive forces have required many companies to create seamless experiences for their customers that allow always-on service availability. This use case has driven service companies to adopt innovative shared-use applications.

The challenge

Breaking the chain of transactional habits, that can be dated as far back as the first coins produced nearly 3000 years ago, is clearly something that is no simple feat. The overall experience, largely void of human interaction and completely reliant on remote technologies, presents a number of potential service gaps. However, in order to displace the traditional transactional method, the customer experience and stability of the overall solution needed to be completely seamless and strong.

The challenges to achieving these objectives through IoT technologies are clearly achievable but require first and foremost a stable and secure connection with the device. With devices located in remote areas (i.e. campgrounds) or within concrete buildings (i.e. laundromats), a cellular footprint that can handle the coverage diversity required for such an application become paramount.

Additionally, the nature of remote services inherently presents associated security risks. By assessing the technical requirements, business objectives, and operational tasks, it was clear that a deeply integrated and experienced IoT partner was needed to overcome the challenges to truly disrupt the current model of power activation.

KORE is an Energy Web partner – read more news from Energy Web

The solution

Ease2pay, a Dutch-based company, is an innovator in IoT smart activation and transaction systems. The company provides an integrated billing and payment system that enables service providers to develop and improve shared-use utilities and services.

With customers that range from laundromats to EV charging stations, Ease2pay understood the power that comes from connectivity. Providing real-time transactional capabilities to remote services in an agnostic way has allowed Ease2pay to support a wide range of solutions, saving service providers from having to develop custom solutions for themselves. Customers of Ease2pay include providing utility provisioning to the following use cases:

• Laundromats
• Shore Power for Inland Ships
• Campground/RV Parking
• Market/Festival Stands
• EV Charging Stations
• Share Facilities
• Common Area Lockers

In order to provide a solution that is capable of application diversity in remote environments, Ease2pay required a partner that possessed a wide set of expertise around connectivity, device management, operational logistics, and security.

KORE was identified early on as a leading candidate. Its position as a trusted IoT advisor allowed Ease2pay to leverage the following capabilities and services:

• eSIM – The remote nature of many of Ease2pay’s customers created a need to consistently achieve the best coverage and strongest broadcast signal.

• Private APN – Security is of the highest priority and being able to partner with someone that can provide private APN capabilities allows Ease2pay to have confidence and visibility of the security of
  their network at all times.
• Integration and Logistics – From assistance in connecting into the AWS cloud to managing the process of delivering preconfigured modems, KORE was a true partner at every step in the journey.

The results

The partnership between Ease2pay and KORE has connected nearly 4,000 activation points across Europe, leading to more than 50,000 users to complete more than 600,000 transactions. The Ease2pay solution has been able to deliver 24/7 service across a variety of industry verticals. Bringing innovation to life through connectivity has allowed businesses to grow by accessing the power of self-service without losing visibility.

About KORE

KORE is a pioneer, leader, and trusted advisor delivering transformative business performance. We empower organisations of all sizes to improve operational and business results by simplifying the complexity of IoT. Our deep IoT knowledge and experience, global reach, purpose-built solutions, and deployment agility accelerate and materially impact our customers’ business outcomes.

For more information visit eu.korewireless.com

About Ease2pay

Ease2pay offers an IoT smart activation and transaction platform complete with an integrated billing and payment system. Ease2pay assists its providers with the development and improvement of shared-use services and enables the development of brands. The platform can be linked to upgrade existing shared-use facilities or applied to new facilities, saving service providers from having to develop a platform themselves.

This year, Enlit Asia 2023 was even more exceptional as it was held in partnership with the 78th Indonesia National Electricity Day.

It was a 3-day event which consisted of CEO Dialogue, Energy Leaders Forum, Power Grid & Power Generation Summit Streams, Hydrogen & Ammonia Symposium, and more. The event provided opportunities for delegates to keep up to date with industry developments, explore a wide range of products & technologies, and network and interact with key players in the power and energy sector.

For the STS Association, Enlit Asia 2023 was more than just an event; it was a valuable platform to connect with a diverse spectrum of industry players. Most importantly, it was a rare chance to meet our international members face-to-face.

Read more news from STS Association

This year we also introduced a new interactive stand that facilitated many conversations with existing and prospective members. The interactive elements enhanced the overall experience for visitors and gave us the opportunity to showcase our innovative service offering, making our stand a hub of engagement.

We would like to thank everyone that visited our stand and special shoutout to the organizers for a such a seamlessly organized event with incredible service excellence. From polite and service-oriented people to efficient service providers always ready to assist and solve any challenge.

For more information about the STS Smart Metering, please visit our website at www.sts.org.za

Written by STSA

The Standard Transfer Specification (STS) has become recognized as the only globally accepted open standard for prepayment systems, ensuring interoperability between system components from different manufacturers of prepayment systems.

Hangzhou, China – 17 November, 2023. The delegation, comprising key representatives from the Vietnam Water Supply and Sewerage Association, engaged in insightful discussions with LAISON’s leadership, fostering a deeper understanding of mutual goals and aspirations.

The seminar served as a platform for LAISON to introduce tailor-made solutions for the Vietnamese market. Highlighting innovations such as the PARISE LoRa STS Prepaid Smart Water Meter Solution, PARISE IoT Online STS Prepaid Smart Water Meter Solution, and Ultrasonic Smart Water Meters, LAISON showcased its commitment to addressing key concerns in the water sector. The company’s offerings aim to mitigate Non-Revenue Water (NRW), enhance revenue streams, and optimize operational efficiency.

The seminar also featured a presentation of LAISON’s hardware and software solutions, including the HDMS system, accompanied by real-world case studies that provided attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the products. The Vietnamese water utility representatives expressed keen interest, signaling a potential avenue for future collaborations.

“As a provider of smart water metering solutions, LAISON remains dedicated to continuous innovation, riding the global wave of smart metering trends,” stated Clark Dai, Deputy Manager at LAISON. “This successful seminar not only deepens our understanding of the Vietnamese market but also paves the way for mutually beneficial partnerships, helping us expand our global footprint and elevate our brand recognition.”

Read more news from LAISON

The seminar aligns with LAISON’s core philosophy of riding the global tide in smart metering. It is expected to facilitate further exploration of the Vietnamese market, tapping into its unique demands and opportunities.

With world leaders about to gather in Dubai, United Arab Emirates for the COP 28 climate summit, the transition to green energy will be one of the key topics on the agenda.

Switching to renewables assumes the utmost importance due to the indelible impact of climate change. The replacement of fossil fuels by green energy is bringing about a revolution in electricity generation and expanding its role across economies.

According to a special report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the world’s electricity use needs to grow 20% faster in the next decade than it did in the previous one, if national energy and climate goals were to be met.

Centrality of the grid

Whether it is the spiralling demand for more electricity or the universal initiative to shift to renewable energy, a crucial element in this complex matrix is the power grid. Having been the backbone of electricity transmission and distribution for more than a century, the grid will be expected to bear significant burden with electrification taking deeper roots in society.

A fact reinforced by the IEA when it revealed that operators would have to add or replace 80 million km of grids – equivalent to all grids available globally today – by 2040 to achieve climate targets and ensure reliable energy supply.

Myriad challenges facing the grid

Expanding the grid, although essential, is just one part of the problem. As renewable energy projects grow in number and begin supplying power to an already congested grid, issues related to traffic volume, load distribution, transmission and storage will only worsen. Not to mention the mushrooming of micro and nano grids that need to be connected to the larger network. It also creates a highly unpredictable energy environment.

The modern grid will encounter some typical challenges associated with renewable energy. For instance, balancing supply to demand in real time, due to the intermittent nature of wind and solar power. Add to it the bi-directional characteristics of renewables. It would be incorrect to assume that in such an ecosystem electricity would flow in one direction, from the utilities to those who consume it.

‘Prosumers’, a new crop of consumers and businesses have come to the fore who produce energy locally from rooftop solar panels, electric vehicles, home batteries, etc and are quite inclined to channel the excess power back to the grid.

Make way for smart grids

The transition to green energy requires an intelligent grid system capable of managing the complexities associated with renewables.

Smart grids powered by Industry 4.0 will deploy the latest digital solutions, including software and sensors to monitor and control operations. All in real time while reducing costs and maintaining the integrity of the grid.

Connectivity offered by private wireless – 4.9G/LTE and 5G – to digital twins, artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML), the Internet of Things (IoT), edge computing, automation, robotics, augmented and virtual reality, smart meters and big data analytics will revolutionise the way grid operators work and give a fillip to the wider decarbonisation drive.

Digitalisation of the grid is an all-encompassing phenomenon. Long Term Evolution (LTE) is a key 4G technology and it’s been around for some time. The arrival of licensed wireless spectrum has enabled private networks such as LTE (4.9G) and 5G to play a major role in providing for grid communications. Industrial-grade private wireless can provide grid operators with a network that is ubiquitous, independent, self-contained, self-healing and secure.

The shift to renewables is triggering a new trend, the proliferation of microgrids in the energy sector. Microgrids operate independently from the traditional grid. They offer immense efficiency and flexibility, especially when it comes to distributed energy resources like solar. Since a microgrid can operate during outages, it reinforces grid resilience and help mitigate disturbances.

Private wireless networks can empower the microgrid controller by helping it to connect to assets administering the grid. It enables optimal load balancing between energy demand and availability of local distributed energy resources. Doing away with the need to deploy cabling to connect sensors and other devices associated with operating the microgrid leads to faster deployment and expansion.

Energy consumption is witnessing a huge spike and there is the need to monitor data linked to production, use and storage. These are often done by applications based in the cloud albeit with certain limitations. This is where edge computing comes in by deploying computing capabilities right at the source of the data and users. The edge basically takes on the role of an intermediary, facilitating communication and storage between computing resources and the smart grid.

“There is a big push to edge compute for processing multiple streams of data in near real-time, robustly, with low latent communications and with cybersecurity that is with low or no overheads. It’s about using the right tool for the job”, says Liana Ault, General Manager for the Energy Orchestration Venture Telco at Nokia Strategy and Technology.

Sophisticated AI-infused analytic software can help grid operators to turn information into actionable intelligence, too. At the same time, machine learning could help in managing asset maintenance programmes, upkeep of records, forecasts and weather tracking.

Furthermore, a smart grid can leverage the benefits of digital twin technology, one of the most promising applications of the early industrial metaverse that creates virtual replicas of physical objects. Currently, grids in distant locations use fibre supporting Supervisory Control and Data Acquisitions (SCADA) connectivity for remote monitoring and control. Digital twins will allow operators to clone the entire environment of a power grid, gain valuable operational insights in real time and not just experience the physical world in a virtual space, but to control it.

Likewise, automation can assist in increasing reliability and lowering cost, given the surge in devices and applications in energy grids. It can even help balancing the grid in case of outages and regulate supply and demand. It, again, allows for the easy deployment of new devices and applications.

Virtualisation, another product of digitalisation, contributes to grid resiliency. Services and apps can be quickly launched in the event of an outage or anomaly. It can aid in grid control, monitoring and restoration.

“Virtualisation will shrink the wires and active grid assets to make maintenance and administration of the grid a largely compute-based task. Yes, there will be a distribution of circuit breakers and physical things, but the control will more automated and centrally administered as general energy system policies,” says Nigel Nawacki, Energy Utility Digital Industry CX Lead CTO at Nokia.

The grid is vital to energy transition

Without a bigger, smarter and more digitally resilient power grid, the transition to clean energy is bound to stall. The concerted push to promote clean energy must be underpinned by state-of-the-art power grids.

Policymakers, grid operators, utilities and the markets are cognizant of this reality. The urgent action to modernise the grid along with the adoption of the latest communications solutions is imperative for renewable energy to be mainstreamed. A sentiment underlined by Pekka Lundmark, Nokia’s President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), when he said: “There is no green without digital.”

About Nokia

At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think, and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.

Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

Media inquiries

Nokia Communications, Corporate
Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

From the progress global organizations are making on their digitalization journeys to guidance on how to adopt circularity to reduce total cost of ownership and improve sustainability by extending the lifetime of power distribution assets, ABB will be debating the key challenges facing the sector and outlining potential solutions.

Stuart Thompson, President of ABB Electrification Service, explains: “The global geopolitical landscape has failed to stabilize in 2023, with continuing volatility impacting financial markets, supply chains and energy security. At the same time, the UN is calling for urgent action to accelerate the climate transition before it’s too late.

“In response, businesses need to focus on reducing capex, improving operational productivity and maximizing the assets they already have. In 2024, we expect this to result in an increased adoption of connected digital technologies, retrofitting and circularity. When done right, this can lead not only to cost and energy efficiencies, but also set business on an accelerated path to decarbonization.”

The first report, ABB’s digitalization white paper See the full potential of digital, faster provides an overview of where industrial organizations are in their digitalization journey and how they can scale the adoption of IIoT. Based on research of more than 300 industrial decision makers across seven markets and nine industries, including utilities, data centers, renewable energy and transport infrastructure, 93 percent of organizations have started implementing IIoT technologies such as sensors and monitoring software to cut costs and improve operational and energy efficiency.

According to the findings, many organizations have embarked on their digitalization journey, however the majority are still in the early stages. While 78 percent say IIoT is delivering business value, seven percent have not started their IIoT journey, 31 percent are just getting started, 41 percent are starting to scale and only 21 percent are mature. This means most businesses are not yet in a position to experience the long-term benefits of digitalization, such as full visibility into operations and reduced energy consumption.

The report goes on to explain how organizations, including utilities and other industrial players, can overcome barriers to deployment and develop a comprehensive digitalization roadmap to determine where technology should be deployed and in what functions to demonstrate the true value of IIoT.

Antonio Martinez-Reina, Utilities & Renewables Global Leader from ABB explains: “The research highlighted utilities as one of the segments most at risk from using time-intensive or potentially costly, reactive maintenance programs. Running equipment to failure can cost up to 10 times more than investing in a program of predictive-based or condition-based maintenance, which extends the lifecycle and productivity of electrical assets.

“Rather than seeing digitalization as adding complexity to a system which is already working, digitalization must be embraced as a means to reducing complexity, minimizing disruption and costs and ensuring greater visibility, interoperability and sustainable operations.”

Martinez-Reina concludes: “Achieving digitalization at scale requires sound planning and investment; and potentially targeting under-exploited areas for competitive advantage, such as being among the first in digitalizing electrical systems.”

This area is explored further in ABB’s second report Tackling Throwaway Culture – a guide to embracing circular economics, which will be a key focus for global businesses in 2024. This approach is particularly useful in extending the life of power distribution assets, which, when maintained, upgraded, and eventually decommissioned effectively, can deliver significant cost savings and help minimize environmental impact by avoiding emissions.

As a leading authority in electrical infrastructure, operational asset management and digital innovations, ABB Electrification Service has been at the forefront of championing a transformative approach to extend the life of power distribution assets and curtail life cycle emissions for improved availability, reliability, predictability and sustainability of electrical installations.

The guide offers a range of practical ideas for implementing circularity in asset management, from optimizing predictive maintenance and condition monitoring to adopting a ‘component-only’ approach to retrofitting and upgrades, as well as covering decommissioning of systems, responsible end-of-life disposal and future market developments in the circular asset management space.

To find out more about ABB’s industry insight visit the team in meeting room 3 in Pavillion 7.3. Download the Tackling Throwaway Culture guide.

Read more news from ABB

About ABB

ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. The company’s solutions connect engineering know-how and software to optimize how things are manufactured, moved, powered and operated. Building on more than 130 years of excellence, ABB’s ~105,000 employees are committed to driving innovations that accelerate industrial transformation.

Electrifying the world in a safe, smart and sustainable way, ABB Electrification is a global technology leader in electrical distribution and management from source to socket. As the world’s demand for electricity grows, our 50,000+ employees across 100 countries collaborate with customers and partners to transform how people connect, live and work.

We develop innovative products, solutions and digital technologies that enable energy efficiency and a low carbon society across all sectors. By applying global scale with local expertise, we shape and support global trends, deliver excellence for customers and power a sustainable future for society.

www.abb.com

To all utilities and municipalities embarking on this project, good luck!

We are here to support you and answer any questions.

Read more news from STS Association

#24November2024 #PrepaidMetering #TIDRollover #STSEdition2 #SmartMetering

In an era of advancing technology, utilities worldwide are considering the transition from traditional Ferraris meters to smart meters. This shift offers numerous benefits, including improved accuracy, enhanced data insights, and increased operational efficiency.

Assessing the current metering system

• Evaluate the accuracy and reliability of your existing Ferraris metering system, considering factors such as calibration, drift, and potential measurement errors.
• Assess the maintenance requirements and costs associated with Ferraris meters, including periodic inspections and replacements.
• Consider the frequency of data collection from Ferraris meters and evaluate if it aligns with your utility’s operational needs.

Upgrading the meter test laboratory

• Evaluate the capabilities of your existing meter test laboratory and assess its readiness to test and certify smart meters.
• Identify any gaps or required upgrades in the laboratory infrastructure, equipment, and personnel skills to accommodate the testing needs of smart meters.
• Consider partnering with accredited testing laboratories or engaging expert consultants to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and accurate meter testing.

Conducting a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis

• Evaluate the initial investment costs of deploying smart meters, including procurement, installation, and integration expenses.
• Assess the potential operational savings that smart meters can offer, such as reduced meter reading costs, streamlined billing processes, and improved outage management.
• Consider the long-term maintenance costs of smart meters compared to Ferraris meters, including firmware updates and potential battery replacements.
• Explore potential revenue gains from accurate metering, reduced energy theft, and improved customer satisfaction.
• Investigate funding options and incentives available for smart meter deployments, such as government grants or programs aimed at promoting energy efficiency.

Ensuring integration and compatibility

• Evaluate the compatibility of smart meters with your existing infrastructure, such as communication networks, data management systems, and billing platforms.
• Consider the scalability of the chosen smart metering solution to accommodate future growth and increasing data volumes.
• Assess the potential challenges and requirements for integrating smart meter data into your existing systems, including meter data management and customer information systems.
• Engage with technology providers and system integrators to ensure a seamless transition and address any integration complexities.

Prioritizing data privacy and security

• Ensure that the selected smart metering solution complies with relevant data protection regulations and industry standards.
• Evaluate the encryption mechanisms employed by smart meters to protect customer data during transmission and storage.
• Assess the security features of the smart metering system, including tamper detection and prevention, to safeguard against unauthorized access and tampering.
• Consider the privacy implications of collecting granular energy usage data and establish protocols to handle and protect sensitive customer information.

Engaging customers and empowering energy management

• Develop a comprehensive customer engagement strategy to educate and inform customers about the benefits of smart meters, including accurate billing, real-time data insights, and energy conservation.
• Provide user-friendly tools and resources for customers to access and interpret their energy usage data, enabling them to make informed decisions about their consumption patterns.
• Explore the possibility of offering prepayment solutions, such as the Standard Transfer Specification (STS), to give customers greater control over their energy usage and budgeting.
• Address customer concerns and misconceptions about smart meters through proactive communication and transparent information sharing.

Pilot testing and phased deployment

• Consider implementing a pilot project or phased approach to smart meter deployments to validate the chosen technology and gather feedback from a smaller sample of customers.
• Use the pilot phase to identify and address any technical or operational challenges, ensuring a smoother and more successful full-scale rollout.
• Engage with pilot participants to gather insights on customer experiences, technical issues, and potential improvements before expanding to a broader deployment.

Training and support

• Provide comprehensive training programs for utility staff and technicians on the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the smart metering system.
• Establish a dedicated support team or helpdesk to address technical issues and customer inquiries promptly.
• Collaborate with technology providers to ensure access to necessary resources, documentation, and ongoing technical support.

Addressing customer complaints

• Anticipate and proactively address customer concerns and complaints related to the implementation of smart meters, including issues of trust in the new technology and potential discrepancies in billing.
• Communicate the benefits of accurate measurement and transparent billing with customers, emphasizing the potential for fair and reliable energy consumption monitoring.
• Establish a process for handling customer complaints and inquiries promptly, providing clear channels of communication and responsive customer support.
• Ensure a sufficient quantity of certified on-site meter test equipment to promptly address and validate customer complaints, demonstrating the utility’s commitment to resolving issues and maintaining customer trust.

Read more news from CLOU

Takeaway

Transitioning from Ferraris meters to smart meters is a significant step for utilities, offering improved accuracy, data insights, and customer engagement. By assessing the current system, conducting a thorough cost-benefit analysis, ensuring data privacy and security, and engaging customers effectively, utilities can successfully navigate this transition. Prepayment solutions like the Standard Transfer Specification (STS) can also provide additional flexibility for customers.

If you have any inquiries or need further information about smart metering, including guidance throughout the transition process, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to assist you and provide expert support as you navigate the journey towards implementing smart metering solutions.

Today we are faced with an energy trilemma – ensuring energy security while allowing the energy transition to progress in an affordable way.

How do we navigate this?

Through Innovation. Through Collaboration. Through Technology. 

At ABB we believe we need to add as much capacity and diversity to our global energy mix, enabling existing hydrocarbon infrastructure to become more sustainable, while simultaneously building efficiency into the operational models of new energy markets to bring down their associated costs and allow them to scale. Visit us at stand 3110, Hall 3 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre October 2-5, 2023.

Read more news from ABB

ABB’s commitment to In Country Value (ICV)

ABB is deeply committed to nurturing the potential of young Emirati nationals, empowering them with knowledge and skills that will propel them towards becoming future leaders in the fields of Electrical and Automation. As part of our dedication to this cause, we have undertaken several groundbreaking initiatives.

ABB proudly stands as the sole company with a Low Voltage (LV) factory in the UAE, strategically situated in Dubai. Furthermore, we have made significant investments in our Abu Dhabi facilities, solidifying our presence in the region. In an exciting development, we are on the cusp of opening an Automation factory in Musaffah, bolstering our commitment to manufacturing excellence in the UAE.

The event will be hosted by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from October 2 to 5, 2023.

ABB’s comprehensive and sustainable switchgear with asset health solution will be on display at the company’s stand, 3110, in Hall 3. In addition to the switchgear, ABB will present various other innovative solutions, including its Electric Vehicle Charger. UniGear ZS1 is an industry-leading solution that addresses the critical challenges facing industries such as oil and gas, refineries, utilities, and high-rise buildings.  

This 500mm panel version of ABB’s latest AIS MV switchgear with VD4 circuit breaker and asset health monitoring solutions represents a significant leap forward for high-reliability level, quality and sustainability. The challenges that the narrowest version of UniGear ZS1 can help address include improving energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing safety. This switchgear is a testament to ABB’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the industry.

According to Karol Majer, Global Product Group Manager, UniGear at ABB, “The 500 mm version of the UniGear ZS1 is a result of our unwavering commitment to delivering innovative solutions that have a real impact on our customers. The product reflects our passion for sustainable engineering and our focus on supporting decarbonization and emission reduction in existing industries. We are excited to showcase this innovative solution at ADIPEC 2023.”  

This version of the switchgear has a narrow design, providing an attractive solution for space-constrained environments, enabling efficient and environmentally responsible energy distribution and management. The switchgear incorporates cutting-edge thermoplastic components instead of traditional, non-recyclable composite insulation materials. This strategic choice not only reduces the product’s environmental footprint but also aligns seamlessly with ABB’s overarching mission to minimize the environmental impact of its offerings.

Read more news from ABB

The new 500 mm version of UniGear ZS1 raises the bar for safety with its innovative design and carefully selected material mix. The narrow panel design results in a shorter overall switchgear length and reduced weight, giving higher flexibility in switchgear replacement for old buildings with increased power demand. Significantly, these safety enhancements do not compromise reliability or quality, making UniGear ZS1 a trusted choice for industries prioritizing operational safety.  

Reflecting on ABB’s participation at ADIPEC 2023, Murad Nazar, Vice President of Electrification Distribution Solution at ABB, expressed, “Our presence at ADIPEC underscores our commitment to meeting energy demands while propelling the global energy transition. Innovation with real impact is what we champion, and the latest version of the UniGear ZS1 is a prime testament. We are keen to support the UAE and the broader region in their ambitious climate goals, especially in alignment with the 2050 strategy.”

As electricity and digital technologies underpin all modern economies, our reliance on it is ever-increasing. Electrification powered by a growth in variable renewable power generation brings a host of new challenges associated with an increasingly complex and less predictable grid.

That’s why ABB develops cutting-edge technologies to protect and automate energy distribution and enhance grid resilience. With ABB Ability™ enabled digital solutions at its core, our extensive portfolio provides utility, industrial and commercial customers with safe, smart and sustainable technologies.

Come and visit us at the E05 ABB stand from 12 to 15 June. You’ll have the opportunity to learn more about our products and meet our experts at the booth.

Read more news from ABB

At CIRED 2023 ABB will showcase innovative medium voltage distribution products and solutions including:

• PrimeGear™ ZX0 Digital Switchgear – Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) for primary distribution
• 500mm wide UniGear ZS1 – Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS) for primary distribution
• ABB Ability™ Asset Manager
• Circuit Breaker VD4 evo – Evolution that empowers
• Circuit Breaker VD4-CS1: fast and inrush-free reclosing on charged capacitor banks
• UFES Solar – Self-powered active arc mitigation
• ABB Ability™ Electrification Monitoring and Control ZEE600
• Tarif metering based on MV Sensors
• Revenue metering with current and voltage sensors
• Energy Storage Solutions (ESS)
• Smart substation control and protection SSC600
• Smart substation control and protection SSC600 SW
• Relion® Protection and control REX640
• Relion® Protection and control REX610

Also at the ABB booth the Low Voltage Smart Street Box

Read more about CIRED 2023

Utility engineers are responsible for designing, maintaining, and upgrading this infrastructure to meet the needs of customers while minimizing downtime and ensuring safety.

Asset management is a critical component of utility engineering, encompassing the processes and systems used to manage the company’s infrastructure assets throughout its lifecycle. This includes everything from planning and design to maintenance and replacement. Effective asset management is essential for ensuring the reliability and safety of the electrical power infrastructure, as well as maximizing the return on investment for the company.

Planning and design

The first step in effective asset management is planning and design. Utility engineers must carefully consider the needs of customers, the capabilities of the existing infrastructure, and the potential for future growth and development. This requires a deep understanding of the electrical power industry, including the latest technologies and trends.

One of the key considerations in planning and design is the selection of appropriate equipment and materials. Utility engineers must evaluate the performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of various options to ensure that the company is investing in the best possible solutions. This includes everything from power transformers and switchgear to transmission towers and distribution poles.

Another important consideration in planning and design is the integration of new technologies. The electrical power industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies emerging that can improve the reliability and efficiency of the infrastructure. Utility engineers must stay up-to-date on these developments and evaluate their potential for integration into the company’s infrastructure.

Maintenance and upgrades

Once the infrastructure is in place, utility engineers must ensure that it is properly maintained and upgraded to ensure reliability and safety. This includes everything from routine inspections and maintenance to major upgrades and replacements.

Routine maintenance is essential for identifying and addressing potential issues before they become major problems. Utility engineers must develop and implement maintenance schedules that ensure that equipment is inspected and serviced on a regular basis. This includes everything from cleaning and lubrication to testing and calibration.

In addition to routine maintenance, utility engineers must also plan for major upgrades and replacements. This may involve replacing ageing equipment that is no longer reliable or efficient, or upgrading to new technologies that can improve the performance of the infrastructure. These upgrades and replacements must be carefully planned and executed to minimize downtime and ensure safety.

Read more news from CLOU

Risk management

Effective asset management also requires a focus on risk management. Utility engineers must identify potential risks to the infrastructure, including natural disasters, cyberattacks, and equipment failures, and develop strategies to mitigate these risks.

One of the key strategies for risk management is redundancy. Utility engineers must ensure that critical components of the infrastructure, such as power transformers and transmission lines, have redundant backups in case of failure. This can help to minimize downtime and ensure that customers continue to receive reliable power.

Another important strategy for risk management is cybersecurity. Utility engineers must ensure that the company’s infrastructure is protected from cyber threats, including malware, phishing attacks, and denial-of-service attacks. This requires the implementation of advanced security measures, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and employee training.

Takeaway

Asset management is a critical component of utility engineering, encompassing the processes and systems used to manage the company’s infrastructure assets throughout their lifecycle. Effective asset management is essential for ensuring the reliability and safety of the electrical power infrastructure, as well as maximizing the return on investment for the company.

Utility engineers must carefully plan and design the infrastructure, selecting appropriate equipment and materials and integrating new technologies. They must also ensure that the infrastructure is properly maintained and upgraded to ensure reliability and safety, and develop strategies for risk management to mitigate potential threats.

By focusing on effective asset management, utility engineers can ensure that the electrical power infrastructure continues to meet the needs of customers while minimizing downtime and ensuring safety.

With the asset management module, our CLOUESP AMI software is designed to help you streamline your operations and ensure the reliability and safety of your infrastructure. Contact us today to learn more about how our AMI software and experienced engineers can help you achieve your goals and ensure the reliability and safety of your infrastructure.

These meters provide a more detailed and accurate measurement of energy usage, which is beneficial for both consumers and utilities. One of the most significant benefits of smart meters is their ability to enable demand response programs and dynamic pricing.

Demand response programs

Demand response programs are designed to reduce the overall electricity demand during peak periods. These periods are typically when the demand for electricity is highest, such as on hot summer afternoons. During these times, utilities can struggle to keep up with the demand, and may need to resort to using more expensive and less environmentally friendly forms of power generation.

Smart meters can play a critical role in demand response programs by providing utilities with real-time data on energy usage. This data can be used to identify periods of peak demand and to send signals to consumers to reduce their energy consumption during those times. For example, consumers could be encouraged to delay using appliances like washing machines or dishwashers until later in the evening, when demand is lower.

By reducing overall electricity demand during peak periods, demand response programs can help utilities to avoid the need for expensive and polluting power generation methods. This can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and keep energy prices more affordable for consumers.

Read more news from CLOU

Dynamic pricing

Dynamic pricing is another important use of smart meters. With dynamic pricing, the price of electricity varies depending on the time of day and overall demand. During periods of peak demand, electricity prices can be higher, while prices may be lower during times of low demand.

Smart meters provide the data needed to implement dynamic pricing effectively. Consumers can be charged different rates for electricity depending on when they use it. This can encourage consumers to shift their energy usage to periods of lower demand when prices are lower.

Dynamic pricing can help to reduce overall electricity demand during peak periods and encourage the use of renewable energy sources. By providing consumers with real-time information on energy prices, they can make more informed decisions about when to use energy-intensive appliances like air conditioning units.

Takeaway

The introduction of electronic smart meters is a significant step forward in the evolution of the electricity grid. Smart meters provide utilities with real-time data on energy usage, which can be used to implement demand response programs and dynamic pricing. These programs can help to reduce overall electricity demand during peak periods, encourage the use of renewable energy sources, and keep energy prices more affordable for consumers.

As the electricity grid continues to evolve, smart meters will play an increasingly important role in ensuring its reliability and sustainability.

We welcome any questions you may have regarding our smart meters, tariff structures or system solutions, and encourage you to reach out to us without hesitation.

Many utilities are integrating utility-scale and residential distributed energy resources (DERs) into their electric grids at an unprecedented pace.

Meanwhile, the time-division multiplexing (TDM) technology they use for communications in intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) such as relays and remote terminal units (RTUs) is approaching end-of-life. In response to these changes, more and more utilities are turning to IEC 61850 to introduce automation and digitalisation to their electric grids.

Read more:
Futureproofing the utility of the future with IEC 61850

This episode of the Energy Transitions Podcast is brought to you by Nokia, a multinational B2B technology innovation leader in networking, powered by the research and innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, providing leading end-to-end grid communications and analytics solutions to meet the unique mission-critical needs of power and water utilities and renewable energy.

Don’t miss out on a special discount for our Energy Transitions Podcast listeners: To receive your 25% discount on an Enlit Europe Summit delegate pass, visit www.enlit-europe.com/registerpod and enter the podcast discount code provided in this episode on the payment page. We look forward to seeing you in Paris.

What to watch:
Recording: What’s driving utilities to embrace IEC 61850?

For over three decades, Elvaco has set industry benchmarks, providing an extensive suite of products and services that cater to utilities and real estate companies worldwide. They have pioneered solutions for district heating, water, real estate, electricity, and gas sectors, boasting a global network connecting over ten million metering devices.

The challenge of new type of devices communication

Elvaco was driven by a mission to expand their product offerings, meet their client’s diverse needs, and optimize costs. Their focus turned to creating solutions for low-powered battery-driven devices with LwM2M protocol capabilities. After an eight-month in-house development project using an open-source solution, Elvaco turned to Coiote IoT Device Management Platform to streamline their operations, address resource constraints, and focus on the core business. 

Successfully implemented IoT cloud connectivity and device management by AVSystem

Since implementing Coiote IoT Device Managament Platform, Elvaco has achieved remarkable results. Christian Haraldsson, Head of Digitalization & Product Manager, Elvaco notes: “Since switching to the Coiote platform, we’ve achieved more while investing less. The platform offers a wide range of features that would have taken us much longer to develop on our own. Additionally, the transition from our own system to the Coiote platform was smooth and seamless.The level of customer service we receive has really exceeded our expectations. AVSystem’s support team is superb, and any problems we encounter are quickly resolved.”

The list of benefits and achievements of this implementation is outstanding:

• Elvaco achieved a shortened time-to-market, harnessing the platform’s power within just two weeks, which allowed them to concentrate on delivering added value to their customers.
• They gained a competitive advantage by seamlessly integrating battery-driven devices, expanding their product range and solidifying their market position.
• Elvaco, with over 50,000 LwM2M devices managed under the Coiote IoT Device Management Platform, is actively working on plans for further scaling.
• The outstanding support provided by the AVSystem’s team is crucial for ensuring Elvaco’s platform reliability and customer satisfaction.
• Coiote IoT Device Maanagement Platform’s LwM2M standardization has been instrumental in providing valuable insights into device health, enabling real-time monitoring to support informed decision-making.
• The platform’s flexibility, allowing for customization and adaptability, ensures that specific project requirements are met effectively.

This partnership positions Elvaco to meet the evolving needs of their customers, ensuring operational efficiency, cost savings, and superior customer value.

Read more news from AVSystems

About Elvaco:

Elvaco, a global leader with almost 40 years of experience in the field of metering solutions, offers an extensive suite of products and services that cater to utilities and real estate companies worldwide, spanning various industries such as district heating, water, real estate, electricity, and gas. Renowned for its visionary approach, Elvaco specializes in wired/wireless M-Bus, LoRaWAN, and NB-IoT network protocols, seamlessly connecting over ten million metering devices across the globe.

About AVSystem

AVSystem excels as a leading provider of comprehensive IoT device management solutions, leveraging the robust LwM2M protocol to empower businesses across diverse sectors.

Established in 2006 with origins in telecommunications, the company has evolved into a trusted partner for IoT deployments offering comprehensive solutions for prototyping and managing IoT devices. By leveraging open LwM2M standard, hardware and cloud services integrations, AVSystem enables businesses to rapidly build end-to-end IoT solutions, efficiently manage and monitor their vast fleet of devices, ensuring seamless connectivity, optimal performance, and facilitating data federation.

In the future, more electric cars, heat pumps, solar parks, and wind farms will both increase the electricity consumption and electricity production, and thus, the number of electricity meters. These modern meters provide access to large amounts of data on consumption and production, which can be used to optimize and expand the electricity grid.

The customers of the Eastern Danish grid companies Cerius and Radius have a total of more than 1.4 million electricity meters, and their data is thus an important prerequisite for balancing consumption and production from, among other things, renewable energy.

Cerius and Radius own, operate, and develop the electricity grid on Zealand, Lolland Falster, and the islands. Their joint operating company Nexel will operate the new system for handling meter data. The solution will upgrade the grid companies’ insight into consumption, which means, among other things, that Cerius and Radius can optimize investments in substations and new cables in the electricity grid. The new system also contributes to securing the critical infrastructure against hacking and cybercrime in a time of global uncertainty.

“The electricity grid requires billions in investments to support the accelerating electrification in society and to contribute to the green transition. It also makes great demands on the underlying IT, and through this agreement with KMD, we ensure a strong foundation for the future with a modern foundation of data and a uniform platform across both Cerius and Radius,” says Anders Vikkelsø, CEO of Nexel.

He continues: “We look forward to working with KMD, which has a long history of strong solutions in the energy market. The agreement means that we can safely focus on developing, optimizing, and expanding the electricity grid with a strong partner behind us.”

Vice President of Energy Solutions in KMD Anders Bonnerup is looking forward to the cooperation: “We are very much looking forward to working with Cerius-Radius and Nexel. The agreement is an example of how we at KMD can help support the development in the energy and utility sector through intelligent use of data.

“Like us, Cerius-Radius and Nexel are very ambitious when it comes to the development of the electricity grid of the future. We are therefore looking forward to delivering a pressure-tested IT solution with a focus on security, green transition, and scalability, which are three key attributes for the electricity grid of the future in both Denmark and the rest of the world,” he says.

Green ambitions in the energy sector are inseparably linked to the use of data

The electricity companies must therefore invest even more in the use of data, which is and will remain the major competitive parameter for Cerius and Radius in the future.

In three years, KMD has achieved a central role in the electricity market for digital meters. KMD will deliver a new IT-system, which Cerius-Radius’ joint operating company Nexel will use to handle the huge amount of detailed data from modern electricity meters, which helps to create an ultra-modern platform for balancing the electricity grid and anticipating peak loads.

Our solutions enable a more flexible electricity grid and a smarter use of power, which can help reduce the risk of overload and increase the consumption of power during periods when electricity is cheapest and greenest.

In order to realize the full potential of working with data in the energy sector, KMD is collaborating closely with Greenbird Integration Technology (now GE Vernova), the creators of Utilihive, a state-of-the-art big data integration platform that simplifies and streamlines data provisioning within complex energy ecosystems.

By integrating Utilihive into projects, it is possible to achieve enhanced visibility, real-time insights, and improved decision-making capabilities from smart electricity meters across the grid.

Reed more news from Greenbird

“Utilihive’s proven data integration capabilities align perfectly with our product strategy of delivering solutions that can handle and process large amounts of data, comply with very high levels of security needed within the electricity network, and offer the flexibility of a modern platform to handle today’s needs and future requirements,” said Anders Bonnerup, Vice President of Energy Solutions at KMD.

Thorsten Heller, Greenbird’s CEO (now part of GE Vernova) and one of Utilihive’s co-creators shared his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “This partnership exemplifies the power of technology in the energy sector. Utilihive’s ability to seamlessly integrate data from diverse sources will enable energy companies to unlock the full potential of their smart grid initiative, ultimately benefiting consumers and the environment alike.”

About the solution

• The Meter Data Management solution can, among other things, handle and process much larger amounts of data from the individual meters, e.g., 15-minute readings of private meters
• The solution upgrades the IT and information security associated with the electricity network’s data to a very high level
• The system makes it possible to handle newer and much more advanced electricity meters, which many private individuals will have installed in the coming years
• The solution is more flexible, intuitive, and can be adapted to the different employee groups compared to the previous system, which will provide more efficiency and increase employee satisfaction
• The new Meter Data Management system makes it possible for the grid companies to meet future requirements from Energinet in terms of delivering data to the Data Hub

About Utilihive

Utilihive is a cloud-native big data integration platform, purpose-built for the digital data-driven utility, offered as a managed service (iPaaS). With a modern technical infrastructure and preconfigured integration content in the platform, you can accelerate innovation and simplify operations. Learn more about Greenbird and Utilihive . See live demonstrations at Enlit Europe.

About KMD

KMD is one of the largest Danish IT companies and develops and provides software and service solutions for the municipal, state and business segments in Denmark as well as selected segments in Scandinavia. The KMD Group has subsidiaries in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Poland. KMD has over 1,500 Danish and international customers from the public and private sectors, of which approximately 800 Are Danish and foreign companies. The KMD Group has an annual turnover of around DKK 4.8 billion and more than 3,000 employees. KMD is a subsidiary of NEC Corporation, a global leader in integration of IT and networking technologies. Read more on www.kmd.net

The Device Language Message Specification (DLMS) protocol has been a longstanding standard within Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), providing a robust framework for efficient data communication and device management.

In contrast, the Lightweight Machine-to-Machine (LwM2M) IoT protocol represents a new dimension in energy management, streamlining data exchange and device communication to meet the contemporary demands for efficiency and agility in utility systems, particularly in the realm of IoT in utilities.

DLMS/COSEM: reliability and data accuracy for billing

DLMS, the preferred choice for utility applications like electricity, gas, and water metering, streamlines data collection and energy grid management.

DLMS focuses on ensuring efficient, reliable, and secure data collection, crucial for accurate billing and utility management. It guarantees data integrity, allowing precise readings and control for utilities. Its strength lies in its intricate data model, COSEM, tailored for utilities, enabling a detailed representation of metering values and events. This granularity is invaluable for utilities seeking precise readings and control. Furthermore, its ability to operate across different communication media is noteworthy.

However, its detailed structure, primarily designed for the complexities of utility metering, can be somewhat heavy for battery-powered or constrained devices.

LwM2M: minimal power consumption and effective utilization of network

In contrast, LwM2M offers an expansive scope that extends far beyond utility applications. It excels in device management and data communication for a diverse range of IoT applications, not limited to metering. Beyond mere communication, it embeds robust functionalities, such as device diagnostics, configuration, and even remote firmware updates. It’s not just about talking to devices; it’s about comprehensively managing them. LwM2M’s security architecture is commendable as well, ensuring encrypted, secure communications right from device bootstrapping.

LwM2M is recognized for its efficient use of network resources and minimal power consumption, making it suitable for an array of IoT devices, whether they are stationary or resource-constrained devices.

DLMS and LwM2M: Efficient Data Management in Utilities

The paper, “Data Interworking Model and Analysis for Harmonization of Smart Metering Protocols in IoT-Based AMI System,” pioneers an approach to optimize data exchange in utility applications through DLMS and LwM2M integration. It introduces a novel data interworking model for converting data between smart meters and the AMI head-end system, aiming to harmonize IoT and smart metering protocols, like DLMS, and enhance data management efficiency.

DLMS and LwM2M: The paper’s primary contributions include proposing the data interworking model based on resource management similarities between DLMS and LwM2M, enabling efficient metering data collection and reduced network data traffic, as well as demonstrating packet transmission efficiency and delay through simulations, offering valuable insights into packet overhead management.Efficient Data Management in Utilities

How does it work?

DLMS defines a structured data model for detailed organization of utility meter data, including attributes like energy consumption and event logs. LwM2M, as a lightweight communication protocol, efficiently transmits this structured data between IoT devices, preserving DLMS’s detailed model – COSEM. This ensures accurate data collection and management while keeping communication lightweight and suitable for constrained IoT devices, such as smart meters.

Read more news from AVSystem

Final thoughts

In conclusion, rather than choosing between DLMS and LwM2M, companies can harness the advantages of both. DLMS ensures precision in utility data management, while LwM2M offers lightweight versatility for broader IoT applications. Combining these protocols optimizes data collection and data management efficiency offering a comprehensive solution that enhances utility operations in today’s ever-evolving landscape. It’s not an either-or choice but a harmonious fusion that maximizes utility potential.

About the company

At AVSystem, we pride ourselves on being a trusted and reliable partner for IoT deployments. We understand that proper device management is crucial to the success of any IoT project, which is why we have built our reputation on providing best-in-class solutions to ensure that our clients achieve scalability, interoperability, and security.