Shipments of cellular communications nodes will surpass 16 million by 2022

- Long accustomed to using private networks, such as power line communications and radio frequency mesh, for transmitting power grid data, utilities are increasingly turning to public cellular networks for smart grid communications. While European utilities have been using cellular for some time, North American firms have only recently begun to commit to public networks for critical smart grid applications.

Cellular networks are also expected to play a significant role in supporting large-scale smart meter rollouts across the Asia Pacific region. Click to tweet: According to a new report from Navigant Research, worldwide shipments of public cellular communications nodes for smart grid applications will grow from fewer than 3 million annually in 2013 to 16.3 million in 2020.

“Smart grid investments are dependent upon reliable, ubiquitous communications and not all utilities have the resources to build and manage these networks themselves,” says Richelle Elberg, senior research analyst with Navigant Research. “Public cellular networks are beginning to make headway in the utility environment thanks to a convergence of factors, including dramatically reduced pricing for cellular machine-to-machine connectivity, ubiquitous network coverage, and significantly improved reliability and security.”

However, utilities face a number of challenges in shifting to cellular, according to the report. For example, cellular carriers typically update their technology every 3 to 5 years, while utilities operate on a 10- to15-year lifecycle. In addition, particularly in North America, utilities are incentivized to make capital investments, which can be recovered in rate cases, versus increasing their operating expenses. Public cellular service adds to a utilityÂ’s operating expense line, which may lower profitability.

The report, “Public Carrier Networks for Smart Grids”, examines the global market opportunity for cellular smart grids. The study provides an analysis of the drivers, market challenges, and technology issues that will shape the market over the coming decade. Global market forecasts for public cellular communications nodes, segmented by application, region, and technology, extend through 2020. The report also profiles the key vendors, utilities, and carriers related to the cellular smart grid ecosystem.

Related News

elon musk

Tesla plans to reveal electric transport truck in October

LONDON - Tesla is likely to unveil its electric articulated transport truck in October, chief executive Elon Musk said on Thursday.

The firm had previously said the vehicle would be released next month.

Last year Mr Musk expressed the company's desire to branch out beyond cars.

The entrepreneur has excited the trucking industry with the prospect of a battery-powered, heavy duty vehicle that can compete with conventional diesels.

Mr Musk said an "unveil and test ride" for the Tesla Semi truck was tentatively scheduled for 26 October in Hawthorne, California.

"Worth seeing this beast in person. It's unreal," he said in a tweet.

The US firm's ambitions for…

READ MORE

On the road to 100 per cent renewables

READ MORE

German official says nuclear would do little to solve gas issue

READ MORE

french-diesel-prices-return-to-pre-ukrainian-conflict-levels

Diesel Prices Return to Pre-Ukrainian Conflict Levels

READ MORE

pakistan nuclear energy

'Pakistan benefits from nuclear technology'

READ MORE