Source: Energy & Management Powernews, June 22, 2022
Efficient power grid operation with the help of real-time data is the mission of the EnBW start-up "SMIGHT". Now it becomes an independent GmbH.
Already in 2030, at least 80% of gross electricity consumption in Germany is to come from green energy. In addition, current, geopolitical developments strengthen the desire for energy self-sufficiency - as shown by the increased demand for PV systems, heat pumps and wall boxes for e-cars. This is a challenge for Germany's 850 or so distribution network operators. Because they are still mostly blind in the so-called "last mile": when it comes to what is going on in the many small local grid stations, valuable information is missing.
Smight had recognized this need relatively early on: For the past two years, the company has been using a patented sensor to provide real-time data from local grids and thus the basis for efficient grid operation. With around 35,000 installed measuring points, Smight says it has become one of the leading providers of network IoT (Internet of things) solutions. In order to further expand this market position and to be able to enter into partnerships more easily, the spin-off to an independent GmbH (limited liability company) will now follow, according to a company release. However, Smight is to remain majority-owned by EnBW. Oliver Deuschle and Robin Rudat will take over the management of the start-up.
Information directly from the local grid station
The heart of the business model is the "Smight Grid2" electricity sensor. It can be installed in any local network station. For this, the sensor is simply clamped to the cable outlets whose load is of interest. A mobile communications gateway transmits the data to the company, where it is evaluated and then made available to network operators in a web portal. "Transparency in the network is immensely important. This requires many measurement points and therefore a solution that is easy to install and therefore suitable for wide-area use. This is what sets us apart from other providers," explained CEO Rudat. "Grid operators are looking for new digital solutions that can be integrated quickly so that they can continue to operate their grids efficiently and safely with a view to renewables and e-mobility," said Managing Director Deuschle. He added that the company wanted to support this and build Germany's largest grid database for this purpose.
Started in 2014 as EnBW's first innovation project, Smight is now an independent GmbH with 20 employees. Based in Karlsruhe, the company develops products in the field of sensor technology, IoT and smart grid. Currently, more than 40 German distribution network operators have opted for the solution, collecting data from over 35,000 measuring points in their low-voltage systems. Smight had started with a multifunction streetlamp, which in addition to light also had charging options for e-cars, W-LAN, traffic and environmental measurement technology and an emergency call function on offer.
Only in May had EnBW announced the founding of Cyber-Security-GmbH, which also emerged from the group. As a wholly owned subsidiary, the new service company will continue to find and implement suitable security strategies for critical companies in the energy, water, healthcare and telecommunications sectors, as well as for cities, municipal administrations and public authorities, and for companies in the automotive and mechanical engineering sectors.
Further information about SMIGHT GmbH can be found here.
Author: Günter Drewnitzky
Accessibility
Language
