Druid Software's CTO Derek Gallagher spoke with Louise Davis about the communication challenges that the energy grid is facing as it undergoes modernisation and they discussed how communications modernisation an essential part of grid modernisation itself. Gallagher argues that private LTE and 5G offer utilities an opportunity to consolidate ageing communications systems, reduce reliance on leased lines and improve coverage across large areas.

In Derek Gallagher's view, communications infrastructure is becoming "the control plane of the modern grid".

The chief technology officer of Irish cellular core network software company Druid Software believes that the security, reliability and efficiency of this infrastructure are increasingly determining how effectively the electricity network itself can operate.

“Real-time connectivity can help utilities balance supply and demand, make better use of distributed generation and reduce unnecessary site visits, while more resilient networks help maintain essential operations during disruptions,” Gallagher says.

Over his many years in the industry (21 of them with Druid), he has witnessed how, as grids become more decentralised – with growing numbers of renewable energy assets, distributed energy resources, smart meters and automated devices – the demands on communications infrastructure are changing.

Legacy lacking

What he’s also observed is that legacy communications networks are falling short when it comes to keeping up with this new normal. “Traditional utility communications networks were built for a much more centralised electricity grid and many simply weren't designed to provide continuous, two-way connectivity to growing numbers of renewable energy assets, batteries and automated devices,” Gallagher explains.

“Coverage often doesn't extend far beyond primary substations, while older, narrowband technologies lack the capacity to support the volume of real-time data and control that a more decentralised grid demands. Combined with growing cybersecurity requirements, including regulations such as the EU's NIS2 Directive and standards such as IEC 62443, these limitations are making communications modernisation an essential part of grid modernisation itself,” he states.

Balance of power

When it comes to tackling the issues Gallagher has outlined, utilities must navigate a balancing act that pits the reliability and cybersecurity demands of critical infrastructure against the cost and complexity of upgrading networks across vast geographical areas. So, how does the comms expert make the case for the private long-term evolution (LTE) and 5G networks he feels can assist utilities here?

“Private LTE and 5G offer utilities an opportunity to consolidate ageing communications systems, reduce reliance on leased lines and improve coverage across large, often remote areas. Better connectivity also means faults can be identified faster, outages managed more effectively and more maintenance carried out remotely, reducing costs and unnecessary site visits,” he says.

Gallagher notes that utilities can look to other sectors for proof of the benefits that private communications networks can deliver, too. “We've seen similar requirements in industries such as defence and public safety, where our experience includes supporting rapidly deployable cellular networks that can establish secure, reliable communications in emergency situations, particularly when existing infrastructure is damaged or unavailable. Those same principles of resilience and local network autonomy are increasingly important for utilities as well,” he comments.

In the mix

Realistically, utilities are likely to rely on a mix of public cellular, private wireless and existing communications infrastructure for years to come. But in Gallagher’s view, they are certainly able to build a secure, interoperable network without committing to a costly, wholesale replacement of legacy systems.

“The principle should be to layer, not replace,” he advises. “Utilities don't need to rip out their existing infrastructure to take advantage of private LTE and 5G, and in many cases a hybrid approach makes a lot of commercial sense. They can continue using public cellular and existing communications systems where these work well, while introducing private wireless in locations where greater reliability, security or control is needed. The important thing is to build around open standards and consistent security policies, allowing existing systems and newer technologies to work together as networks evolve.”

He adds: “Our role at Druid is to support this approach by providing a standards-based, vendor-neutral foundation that can be deployed centrally or at the edge, maintain essential local connectivity when backhaul fails and support the transition from 4G to 5G as utilities' requirements evolve.”

Druid’s role is nicely illustrated in a recent real-world case study from the US, involving utility company Avista, whose field communications modernisation project, Heddian, is deploying a hybrid network that combines public cellular connectivity with private wireless infrastructure, incorporating Druid’s Raemis core network software platform.

Describing this work, Gallagher says: “Our Raemis core gives Avista a dedicated, utility-controlled foundation for managing communications across both public cellular and private wireless networks. Working with Heddian's UtiliSIM solution, it allows device traffic to be routed through Avista's private core, giving the utility greater control over authentication, security and traffic management regardless of which supported network a device is connected to, with OneLayer providing additional device security capabilities.

“Importantly, it also means Avista can take advantage of existing carrier coverage today and introduce its own private infrastructure where needed, without having to rebuild its entire communications network,” Gallagher highlights.

Making it as easy as possible for utilities to embrace new solutions is what Gallagher believes will be key to increasing their uptake in the coming years. “These technologies need to be straightforward to deploy and manage, allowing existing IT and OT teams to maintain control without requiring specialist telecommunications expertise,” he says.