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Interview 21 January 2025

Digitizing Supply Networks – Why and How?

Stefan Döbbe believes that the security of supply can only be ensured with the digitalization of networks. He is the IT Manager of the IT system partner Telemark. Telemark, a subsidiary of the Lüdenscheid, Iserlohn, and Menden municipal utilities, is personally familiar with the challenges facing energy suppliers and network operators. In this interview, Döbbe discusses the current situation, presents solutions for critical infrastructure, shares project insights, and offers a forward-looking perspective on securing the energy supply in the future.

Climate change and the energy transition: how can we determine if our supply networks are reaching their limits, and what steps should be taken?

Water management is a vivid example. We are increasingly struggling with flooding incidents, with livelihoods and human lives at stake. Hardly anything illustrates more clearly how important it is to continuously measure and monitor water levels.

Does this apply to all networks in your opinion? Our power grids, too?

Yes, the example can be applied to our electrical grids. Digitalization is absolutely necessary – urgently and extensively.

Why the rush?

We are proud to have our networks under control, but the electricity has always flowed in only one direction – from the producer to the customer. Today, the number of producers has multiplied due to PV systems and other possibilities. We need to bring unpredictable amounts of electricity into the grids, while meeting fluctuating needs. There's a limit to how much we can handle, so we must prevent network overload – and, if necessary, be able to dim according to § 14a of the EnWG.

What does a quick initial response look like?

Only digitalization based on sensible, carefully executed expansion planning can help.

And on the horizon?

We must have clarity: when is energy used where? To answer this, the energy flows in the network must be mapped using IT technology.

The Telemark

Telemark is the largest telecommunications provider in South Westphalia, operating its own fiber optic and copper cable network. Founded in 1998 as a subsidiary of the Lüdenscheid, Iserlohn, and Menden municipal utilities, Telemark Telekommunikationsgesellschaft Mark mbH runs an independent communication infrastructure in the Märkischer Kreis. Its primary mission is to implement complex control and regulation systems for supply and disposal companies.

What is Telemark doing to implement this requirement?

What is needed is software development combined with smart services. We offer this as a complete package. To achieve this, we rely on sustainable, reliable partnerships, such as those with WAGO. Over the past ten years, we’ve implemented several hundred projects with WAGO, supporting suppliers like municipal utilities, disposal companies or commercial enterprises. All those involved with gas, water, district heating and/or electricity benefit from Telemark’s comprehensive know-how and WAGO’s development expertise.

What are the advantages for the customer?

WAGO provides complete control cabinet solutions tailored precisely to the needs of the energy sector. Combined with Telemark's security solutions, this creates a service offering that is highly efficient for end customers and meets all critical infrastructure protection (KRITIS) requirements.

How do you, as a partner, specifically address a new project?

We create the catalog of requirements together with the customer and our partner. This is an intensive process we carry out on-site with the customer. Then, we develop a prototype based on these requirements. WAGO supervises the implementation. If the project is standardized, Telemark handles the hardware installation, parameterization, coordination and support during ongoing operation, including regular maintenance and servicing as needed.

What are the key challenges within these projects?

Modern, future-proof software solutions must be flexible and adaptable. WAGO speaks the various protocol languages and provides the software. WAGO Application Grid Gateway offers a solution that integrates changes and configurations, both for existing and older substations as well as new ones. After parameterization, the PLC transmits measurement data to the network control system at a second rate, including data on medium voltage, the transformer, low-voltage outputs, position messages and temperatures. External measurement technology can be parameterized for a wealth of additional data and commands, such as short circuit and ground fault direction indicators or power quality measurements.

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A lot of data goes back and forth. How do you ensure cybersecurity?

With DIN ISO 27001, we have the necessary certification for digitalization in critical environments. The advantages for customers lie in the combination of digitalization and security expertise – from development to commissioning and updates during ongoing operations. Telecontrol and remote control provide the prerequisite for continuously updating systems over an extended period, while keeping expenses for network operators low.

What happens in the future? What are the potentials and possibilities for continuing to secure the energy supply?

Today, every consideration goes beyond expanding the network. We cannot continue to operate our networks piecemeal into the future. We must enable point control and leverage predictions. Network control in the future must rely on data models. We need to predict where interventions are needed. And if the energy transition is to succeed, we will need AI (Artificial Intelligence). There is no way around this.

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The Path to Energy Transition with the Digital Substation

The importance of a stable grid is more critical than ever. Challenges are growing. Decentralized generators, the mobility transition, Redispatch 2.0 and electrification of the sectors – all of these cause fluctuations in the grid. Stable grids need transparency. WAGO Application Grid Gateway provides clarity, together with hardware and software components, to the digital substation, which knows what happens in the grid at any time.

“450 MHz - A Cure-All or a Supplement to Communication Infrastructure?” Stefan Döbbe discussed this topic in his presentation at the 10th WAGO Smart Grid Symposium 2024.

Digitizing Supply Networks – Why and How?

The Telemark

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The Path to Energy Transition with the Digital Substation

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