Dena assesses cloud and edge architectures

19.07.2024

Cloud and edge architectures can make an important contribution as IT solutions for data exchange in a decentralized energy industry. This is according to a study by Dena.

On July 18, the Future Energy Lab of the German Energy Agency (Dena) published the "EnerComputing" study. It describes the potential of cloud and edge solutions as communication and coordination aids in a decentralized energy industry. According to the study, data exchange and data processing are key challenges of a renewable and decentralized energy system.

Benedikt Pulvermüller, Head of Digital Technologies at Dena, explained: "This study shows how cloud and edge architectures can meet future highly automated, data-driven applications and how obstacles to the integration of both solutions can be overcome." Edge and cloud architectures represent two different concepts for making sufficient computing power available in the required time for specific applications in a cost-optimized manner.

Cloud and edge architectures in combination

From a technical perspective, a combination of cloud and edge computing is a good way of addressing the emerging dynamics in the distribution grid and energy markets. While cloud infrastructures strengthen central processes, information management and decision-making, edge systems offer customization options in local contexts.

According to the study, this opens up new opportunities for data processing and data exchange along the entire energy supply chain, from the grid operator to the end consumer.

At the same time, the paper shows that the integration of cloud and edge computing is still subject to a number of obstacles. These mainly relate to data protection, transmission, security and sovereignty as well as cyber security.

Recommendations for action from the study

According to the authors, uncertainties mainly exist in the areas of security, communication infrastructure and interoperability, which also need to be resolved at a regulatory level. The study therefore provides recommendations for the successful integration of cloud and edge computing technologies in the energy sector:

• Promote and further develop pilot projects in order to realize value-added networks, for example,
• Statutory incentive regulation for investments
• Standardization through the rollout of smart metering systems (iMSys).

Dena's Future Energy Lab has already analyzed the topics of data exchange and data processing in the "dena-ENDA" and "Data Institute - Energy Domain" projects. The project results will be incorporated into the newly established Data Institute of the Federal Government. The Future Energy Lab serves as a platform to promote cooperation between all industry players and creates a creative space for start-ups to develop solutions.

The Dena study "EnerComputing" is available for download as a PDF.

Author: Susanne Harmsen
Source: Energy & Management Powernews