innogy, 450connect and Ericsson test LTE450 in Germany

The companies innogy, 450connect and Ericsson have started a pilot project for the construction and operation of LTE450 mobile radio network. A first radio site is already on air in the area of the DSO Westnetz (part of innogy group) in Werne (North Rhine-Westphalia). In the upcoming months the parties plan to test voice communication and in particular the smart grid applications. These play a crucial role in the digitization of the electric grid power system. The aim of the joint project is to showcase the usability of the standardized LTE technology in the 450 MHz frequency band for the communication needs of the energy industry.

“We have already achieved a lot in the energy transition, but the biggest challenges are still ahead of us.” says Dr. Oliver Schmitt, Head of Network Technology & Security at innogy SE. “By 2030, the share of renewable energy will increase to 65 percent, by 2050 even to 80 percent. For this, in the coming decades, numerous new wind and solar plants will be built. In order to be efficient in the power distribution systems, to smoothly integrate the fluctuating power demand and to be able to communicate even in the black-out case, the energy industry needs a reliable communication network. The 450 MHz radio network is well suited for this due to its technical characteristics. ”

“The communication needs of the energy industry have rapidly changed in the recent years, “says Dr. Andrzej Cwik, Technical Director of 450connect. “Millions decentralized energy systems must be monitored and controlled. The same applies to the high number of smart meters that will be deployed in the future. With the help of the 450 MHz radio network we can safely integrate these systems and thereby make a significant contribution to creating an intelligent system for a reliable energy supply.”

“The digitization of critical infrastructures requires a secure and highly available communication solution, “says Dr. Christoph Bach, CTO Service Providers at Ericsson GmbH. “The 450 MHz radio network has proven its suitability as the communication technology for the energy industry and other critical infrastructure already in many other countries. The combination of the very favorable propagation characteristics of the 450 MHz frequency with modern standardized LTE technology allows nationwide coverage at a reasonable cost. “