Issue link: https://fhpublishing.uberflip.com/i/1122505
ROUNDTABLE required spectrum allocation in time to enable DSO strategies to move forward in RIIO2. A hamstrung DSO agenda has clear and worry- ing implications for the UK's ability to deliver its 2050 net-zero emissions ambition. To accelerate a decision on utilities spectrum allocation, industry representatives encouraged regulators and policy makers to take note of international examples where this path has already been trod. A key case study was pointed to in Ireland where the telecoms regulator ComReg recently responded to requests for allocation of (a nationally un- derutilised) 400MHz spectrum band for smart metering and smart grids innovation. With such examples to look to, there is a tangible opportunity for the UK to nimbly deliver the policy and regulatory interventions needed for a thriving low carbon future. As Network's House of Commons debate closed, industry participants looked with hope to the conclusions of the Science and Technology Select Committee's inquiry into the tech- nologies for meeting clean growth emissions reduction targets for a demonstration of government understanding and support on this key enabling issue for smart, decarbon- ised utilities. Smart grid telecoms and 5G There has recently been a fl urry of national interest and controversy around the impending rollout of 5G communications in the UK. This development is clearly relevant and important for the UK's smart energy future. However, it's important to understand that the arrival of 5G will not be a panacea to the current obstacles with operational telecommunications modernisation. Indeed, most of the communications capability inherent in 5G technology exists today and will develop as a continuum. This is important in the light of current industry debate around the immediate need for spectrum allocation for smart grid operations. Releasing spectrum today in the UHF band would not be an interim measure only to be ripped and replaced once 5G enablement arrives. Spectrum enablement with suitable UHF alignment in systems such as 4G LTE will be embraced and enhanced by 5G, not displaced. Consider, for example, the following fi ve important and urgent smart network operation requirements – all of which would be immediately enabled by release of suitable spectrum for smart grid applications and enhanced in the 5G aspirations. Security: UHF spectrum allocation would support growth of private mobile (LTE) networks which can support pervasive and predictable connectivity to secondary substations. This is essential for resilient day to day smart network operations but is also a core requirement for a reliable black start scenario. 5G would incorporate existing 4G capabilities here and provide enhanced monitoring. Flexibility and diversity: Advanced 4G technology can already support higher levels of secure, encrypted grid automation with reliance on "grid edge" system participants – i.e. high levels of participation from distributed energy resources. We do not need to wait for 5G to enable this. Operational effi ciency: Smart networks will increasingly need to leverage new operational technologies to deliver new, innovative services at least cost to the consumer. Spectrum allocation would enable greater use of SD-WAN services within the foundations of network operational technology systems. These services will be key to unlocking the potential of the Internet of Things for energy networks, supporting network virtualisation and optimising the use of smart fi eld technologies. New business models: Spectrum allocation would accelerate to market the potential of the advanced analytics and artifi cial intelligence applications networks need in order to build new (DSO) business models. Networks need to build much more complex and advanced transacting capabilities and achieve distributed real-time data processing across their networks. In conclusion, enabling spectrum for grid automation today would be a small step that would create a tipping point for the innovation and smart capability that all licensed network operators are currently seeking. Waiting for an organic evolution in operational telecommunications technology to provide this tipping point is not an option. We cannot be seen as a laggard on the world smart grid telecoms arena. Nigel Nawacki, utilities chief technology offi cer, Nokia UK & Ireland develop as a continuum. This is important in the light of current industry debate around the immediate need for spectrum allocation for smart grid operations. Releasing spectrum today in the UHF band would not be an interim measure only to be ripped and replaced once 5G enablement arrives. Spectrum enablement with suitable UHF alignment in systems such FURTHER READING: Key resources for more information on smart telecommunications for smart power grids: ENA position paper: Need for Increased Spectrum Allocation and Investment in Operational Telecommunications to Support Electricity Networks http://bit.ly/ENA_spectrum Plum Consulting report for ComReg: Potential use of the 400 MHz band in Ireland http://bit.ly/Plum_ComReg JRC white paper: Cutting Through the Hype: 5G and Its Potential Impacts on Electric Utilities http://bit.ly/5Gpaper IET conference paper: The future of Operational Telecommunications associated with a power distribution network http://bit. ly/IET_futuretelecoms Western Power Distribution study: Next Generation Networks: smart grid telecommunications Analysis http://bit.ly/ WPDstudy In association with: NETWORK / 12 / JUNE 2019