Landis+Gyr, a global provider of integrated energy management solutions for the utility sector has tapped Vodafone Business to provide IoT services, allowing the latter to connect its smart meters and smart grid applications to over 400 networks in 180 countries.
It is claimed to be an industry-first partnership to simplify the integration of smart devices into energy grids and accelerate the adoption of green energy technology.
Staffed by 5,800 people in over 30 countries, Landis+Gyr delivers solutions that utility companies solve their complex challenges in smart metering, grid edge intelligence and smart infrastructure. On the other hand, Vodafone Business is a leader in IoT with 100 million connections worldwide.
In a partnership announced last week, Landis+Gyr will also integrate Vodafone Business IoT connectivity in their products and devices before shipping them to energy companies worldwide. This allows the assets to automatically connect to the best mobile network when installed, rather than needing manual set up.
The process will make it easier to build, configure and deploy large connected smart energy networks. As well as easing the installation, it also simplifies the management of the devices for Landis+Gyr’s customers, thanks to the ability to reliably and securely identify and monitor all the assets connected to the grid.
“The partnership will allow us to further elevate our offerings to meet the unique needs of our customers today and in the future,” said Werner Lieberherr, chief executive officer, Landis+Gyr. “Together, we will be able to deliver longevity and quality of service to match utility asset lifecycles, creating the base for interactive smart grids with increasing intelligence embedded at the grid edge. This will enable our customers, energy consumers and entire communities to manage energy in a more informed way, making a positive impact on the environment”.
As more and more energy assets are installed and have to efficiently interact with grids worldwide, being able to securely recognise and manage them becomes essential. This is particularly true for distributed devices and green energy assets, like solar panels or the new energy storage systems.
Streamlining and securing the data connection from devices into the grid provides utilities with better visibility, helping accelerate adoption. This secure and reliable data connection is what Landis+Gyr will be able to provide under a long-term service contract that offers coverage access to multiple carriers.
Furthermore, Landis+Gyr and Vodafone Business will also connect smart meters using low power wide area (LPWA) network technologies like NB-IoT and LTE-M, which offer high signal penetration and low power consumption. These technologies will allow Landis+Gyr’s smart meters to seamlessly integrate with Vodafone Business’ NB-IoT networks in 18 countries and its extensive ecosystem of roaming partners. As NB-IoT is part of the 5G family, Landis+Gyr will be able to help digitalise the grid not just now, but also in the future, by offering their customers long-term service contracts that match the lifecycle of the smart connected devices.
“IoT is key to the digitalisation of the utilities sector. Connecting assets will help manage energy better and support the safe integration of renewable energy sources into power grids, helping to reduce carbon footprints. We believe NB-IoT will enable more and more companies to be not only more resilient and future-ready, but also more sustainable,” said Daniel Beevers, regional Director, Asia-Pacific, Vodafone Business.
