The energy transition needs smart digital platforms

The energy sector is undergoing the most significant transformation in its history. Smart meters, smart grids, e-mobility and decentralised energy generation are presenting energy suppliers, network operators, businesses and consumers with new challenges. CANCOM Austria has developed its own platforms to address these challenges: SEM NG (Smart Energy Management Next Generation) for the intelligent management of smart meter data, and Dynamic Load Management for the control of modern charging infrastructure.

Mr Amlacher, the energy transition is often described as a technological challenge. What role do digital platforms play in this?

Amlacher: The energy transition is practically impossible to implement without digital platforms. We are moving away from a centralised energy supply towards a highly dynamic system comprising millions of smart metering points, solar installations, battery storage systems, heat pumps and electric vehicles. The real challenge lies in capturing and processing these volumes of data in real time and using them to make the right decisions. This is precisely where digital platforms come into play. They lay the foundations for energy suppliers to operate their networks efficiently and for customers to actively manage their energy consumption. CANCOM Austria has been working intensively on energy data management for more than 15 years and develops the necessary platforms in-house. Our solutions are not developed in a laboratory, but in collaboration with energy companies and other partners, based on specific market requirements.

One of these platforms is SEM NG. What exactly does this involve?

Amlacher: SEM NG stands for Smart Energy Management Next Generation. It is a comprehensive platform for the collection, processing and management of energy data. The platform can integrate electricity, gas, water, heating and cooling meters from various manufacturers and using different communication technologies. The data received is checked for plausibility, stored in an audit-proof manner, processed and then forwarded, for example, to billing systems, customer portals or other market participants. Put simply: SEM NG transforms billions of meter readings into usable information.

What specific benefits do energy suppliers gain?

Amlacher: For energy suppliers, three issues are of particular importance: efficiency, scalability and security. With SEM NG, many of the steps involved in processing meter data – which previously often had to be carried out manually – can be automated. The platform checks the quality of the data, fills in missing values and, where necessary, converts measurement data into the required formats. It also automates key business processes and helps energy suppliers and network operators to efficiently manage even large numbers of smart meters. At the same time, the platform is designed to accommodate future growth. Thanks to its modern microservices architecture, energy suppliers can efficiently manage millions of metering points whilst already meeting the requirements of the OE Companion Standard 2.0. Another key issue is security. With support from the latest DLMS Security Suites and hardware security modules, SEM NG meets the high standards for data protection and communication security.

What does this mean for end customers?

Amlacher: Many people still view smart meters purely as a billing tool for recording meter readings. In fact, they form the foundation for a completely new approach to energy data management and are thus the cornerstone of the energy transition. In countries such as Sweden, Norway and Finland, variable electricity tariffs and active grid management are already much more widespread. There, households actively adjust their consumption to the current grid situation and electricity prices, largely through automated systems. Electric heating systems, heat pumps and boilers are automatically operated when electricity is particularly cheap or particularly sustainably sourced. Charging of battery storage systems and electric vehicles is also adjusted to the availability of self-generated solar power or current market prices. For such models to work, reliable and timely energy data is required. SEM NG provides precisely this data foundation. For private individuals, this means the prospect of lower energy costs, greater transparency and the opportunity to play an active part in the energy transition. Businesses benefit from better analysis of their energy consumption, optimised load management and greater energy efficiency.

Mr Krammer, CANCOM Austria’s second in-house development is the Dynamic Load and Energy Management CANCOM EMS. Why is this topic becoming increasingly important?

Krammer: Electric mobility is growing rapidly. At the same time, the expansion of the charging infrastructure brings with it a number of challenges: the grid connection capacity at charging points is physically limited, and the power actually available often depends on grid utilisation. The relevant grid operator is therefore increasingly setting dynamic power limits. When several fast-charging stations are operated simultaneously at high power, this usually exceeds these power limits and control measures must be taken. It is also important to avoid power peaks and the associated costs, and to adhere to electricity consumption forecasts. Our Dynamic Load and Energy Management CANCOM EMS solves precisely this problem. The solution monitors all energy flows and intelligently distributes the available power to the individual charging points in real time. This enables significantly more vehicles to be charged at optimised power levels without exceeding limits or necessitating costly grid or infrastructure upgrades. Thanks to a direct interface with the grid operators’ telecontrol systems, the solution also enables the currently available grid power to be taken into account. The charging power is dynamically adjusted to ensure maximum charging performance at all times whilst still complying with all limit values.

What are the benefits for charging infrastructure operators?

Krammer: For operators of charging parks, energy suppliers or petrol station chains, cost-effectiveness is always the key priority. At the same time, they must meet all requirements as part of a critical infrastructure and also manage a large number of charging locations efficiently. Our system reduces investment costs through better utilisation of existing grid connections. At the same time, operating and grid usage costs are significantly reduced and the available energy is optimally distributed. The overarching EMS cloud platform ensures transparency and makes monitoring, remote maintenance and alerting straightforward, even across multiple sites. Furthermore, the CANCOM EMS forms the basis for forward-looking business models and optimisations. A particular strength is the manufacturer-independence of our solution. Different charging points and backend systems can be integrated via OCPP, Modbus or MQTT. Furthermore, photovoltaic systems, battery storage units and grid operator interfaces can be incorporated. The result is a highly flexible platform that can be adapted to different business models.

Can you give a specific example of this?

Krammer: Let’s take a modern petrol station or a charging hub on a motorway. These often have several fast-charging stations available, the maximum combined output of which exceeds the available grid capacity. Without intelligent load management, either costly grid upgrades would have to be carried out or the charging points would have to be statically limited. Our Dynamic Load Management system analyses the energy requirements of all connected vehicles in real time and distributes the available power dynamically. In addition, battery storage systems can be integrated to absorb peak loads, as well as photovoltaic systems that supply locally generated energy directly. The result is a significantly more efficient use of the infrastructure and an optimal charging experience for customers.

How does this benefit electric vehicle drivers?

Krammer: They enjoy a reliable and, where possible, fast charging experience. The intelligent distribution of power ensures that existing resources are utilised optimally. Charging points become available again more quickly and waiting times can be reduced. And customers benefit from a stable charging infrastructure, even at busy locations. The better the existing infrastructure is utilised, the faster the charging network as a whole can grow.

CANCOM Austria develops both platforms in-house. Why is that significant?

Krammer: Yes, exactly – that is indeed a key difference compared to many market players. We combine the role of system integrator with that of software developer. This gives us in-depth technological expertise and enables us to respond very quickly to new market requirements. Our teams are familiar with both the regulatory framework of the energy sector and the technical challenges of smart metering, smart grids and e-mobility. This combination enables us to offer solutions that not only work technically but also meet the real-world requirements of energy suppliers, network operators and infrastructure operators.

Finally, what will the energy supply of the future look like?

Krammer: Energy supply will become significantly more digital, decentralised and intelligent. Households will increasingly generate, store and use energy flexibly themselves. Electric vehicles will become mobile energy storage units, and energy suppliers will have to manage their grids much more dynamically than they do today. This requires digital platforms that collect and analyse data and use it to make automated decisions. This is precisely what we at CANCOM Austria have been working on for many years. Our aim is to lay the technological foundations for the energy supply of the future and to provide our customers with the tools they need to successfully navigate this transformation.

Further information is available at: cancom.at

Christoph Amlacher

Jürgen Krammer