Energy management
How Gridspertise enables the smart meter revolution
The digitalization of the electrical grid has emerged as a critical tool in optimizing power distribution and consumption, as well as playing a key role in accelerating the transition towards clean energy. Managing millions of new renewable energy entry points, improving energy management in billions of homes and buildings, and providing better visibility on customer usage are among the key challenges faced by society today. With electricity distribution networks built a hundred years ago, the task at hand is far from simple.
Over 100 million smart meters delivered worldwide
The process of transforming the grid into a smart system is well underway, and Gridspertise is at the forefront of this movement, with over 100 million of smart meters with Gridspertise technology delivered worldwide. A success that is built on strong relationships, such as the long-lasting collaboration with ST. In a partnership initiated in the early 2000’s through Enel, Gridspertise’s former parent company, ST has provided millions of strategic hardware components to make the smart grid a reality. These include semiconductor solutions for Gridspertise’s second-generation smart meter, known as Globy the most favorable solution for the upcoming rollouts in Europe and beyond.
“
ST has proven to be a solid partner to develop solutions for the transformation
of electricity distribution networks into smart grids.”
Gianni Ceneri, CTO, Gridspertise
Challenge
- Develop a smart meter with a hybrid module enabled with the most appropriate communication technologies.
- Design and produce an interoperable smart meter.
Solution
- Leverage ST’s hybrid power line-RF communication channel for interoperability
- Collaborate with ST to design a fully integrated communication module.
Impact
- 100 million smart meters delivered worldwide.
- One single modular solution meeting all regional requirements.
Designing and producing interoperable smart meters
When designing their second-generation smart meter named Globy, Gridspertise turned to ST to create a communication module leveraging the latest innovations, including ST’s hybrid powerline communication (PLC) modem. Traditionally, electricity meters rely on either PLC or RF communication, but ST's hybrid module was the first to offer both at the time of its release in 2022. ST’s hybrid module has been a game-changer in many aspects, allowing for seamless connectivity over both powerline and wireless media while meeting various international requirements. By leveraging the same hardware base for different energy grid market needs, Globy meter allows to effectively overcome the limitations of proprietary frameworks and vendor-specific ecosystems worldwide.
“
Thanks to ST's innovation, we’ve simplified the manufacturing process, allowing us to bring the Globy meter to our customers more quickly.
”
Stefano Vilardi, Head of Manufacturing, Gridspertise
Adaptable to be connected everywhere
Until recently, having alternative communication options embedded in meters in the field was not easily feasible. A serious challenge, considering the grid’s needs for reliable data. ST's communication module changed that, enabling connectivity everywhere, even in remote rural areas with weak cellular coverage. Having a trustworthy and experienced partner with a problem-solving approach was crucial for this innovation.
“
ST is an ideal partner for Gridspertise, helping us achieve innovation and consistent product quality, thanks to their reliability and problem-solving approach.
”
Sara Bucciarelli, Chief Procurement Officer, Gridspertise
Choosing the right partner for sustainable developments
Gridspertise is committed to sustainability, embracing environmental, social, and governance practices, as well as adopting a “Sustainable by design” strategy. The company has made history by using the recycled plastic from previous models for the latest generation of Italian smart meters. ST's expertise in developing energy-efficient solutions regularly helps Gridspertise further enhance the performance and sustainability of its products. And, most importantly, ST also has a long-standing commitment to sustainability including to carbon neutrality and 100% use of renewal energy sources by 2027.
“
Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor in the energy sector and for Gridspertise. ST has proven to meet our sustainability criteria and is as a reliable partner in this area.
”
Sara Bucciarelli, Chief Procurement Officer, Gridspertise
CUSTOMER
Gridspertise
ST TECHNOLOGIES
