Siemens electrification hardware and software are increasing transparency in the low-voltage grid of Swiss power utility IBC Energie Wasser Chur.

Around 40,000 residents in the greater Chur area should benefit from a secure, advanced supply of electricity.

The energy transition poses challenges for grid operators, including distributed energy feeds, increasing loads and high demands on voltage quality and supply reliability. A secure, data-driven option that avoids extensive retrofitting is critical for reliable supply. This is where Siemens’ technology comes in.

Over the next two years, IBC will equip 200 transformer stations and 290 distribution cabinets with smart, bidirectional Sentron 3NA6 Com low-voltage NH fuses and Sicam enhanced grid sensors from Siemens.

The Electrification X IoT (www.siemens.com/global/en/products/energy/topics/electrification-x.html) suite is a central application that provides continuous access to grid data, analyses based on key performance indicators and automated alarm messages. This increases responsiveness and improves control.

One of the biggest benefits is it is easy to integrate into existing infrastructure without costly installation. At the same time, it lets small to large energy suppliers create data-driven transparency, optimise operational decisions and make future expansion measures more efficient.

“Availability and reliability are paramount for every grid operator,” said Stephan May, CEO of electrification and automation at Siemens (www.siemens.com). “Data-driven transparency enables proactive operation and is essential for the resilient grid of the future. With our technology, we can increase usable grid capacity by up to 30 per cent. We look forward to supporting Chur on its path to climate neutrality by 2040.”

Encrypted data transmission is ensured through a certificate-based protocol that meets cyber-security requirements. Using the distribution grid monitoring software in Electrification X, grid operators can detect load peaks early on, take targeted countermeasures and plan investments efficiently. Continuous monitoring and automated alarming increase supply reliability, reduce downtimes and improve maintenance efficiency.

“The energy transition is causing major bottlenecks in terms of capacity utilisation and voltage quality,” said Radoje Krstic, protection technology specialist at IBC (ibc-chur.ch). “With Siemens’ technology, we can push ahead with digitalisation at grid level seven in an economical, safe and reliable way, while keeping future supply power needs firmly in focus.”

By 2040, Chur aims to become a climate-neutral city in the field of energy. Approximately 88 per cent of electricity already comes from renewable sources.