Power Plus Communications (PPC) successfully participated in the Nessum Alliance’s first-ever plugfest, which took place on 20 November during Enlit Europe 2025 in Bilbao. The international event brought together leading technology providers to demonstrate the practical interoperability of Nessum-based broadband powerline (BPL) devices for medium- and low-voltage networks under real-world conditions.

As a long-standing driver of innovation in the field of smart grid communication, PPC joined forces with industry partners to showcase how IEEE 1901-based BPL technologies are opening up new opportunities for distribution network operators – from reliable data transmission to comprehensive network transparency.

Nessum in focus: technological advantages at a glance

Nessum technology offers a number of key features for use in energy networks, including:

  • Energy-efficient operation: Nessum devices consume up to 30% less power than devices based on other BPL standards
  • Lower temperature development as a direct result of energy efficiency, which has a positive effect on service life
  • De facto unlimited cell size: a Nessum headend can coordinate up to 1,000 end devices (e.g. BPL SMGWs)
  • Flexible use of the 2 to 30 MHz frequency range – depending on the current focus:
    • High ranges as long as the BPL infrastructure is under construction (e.g. in quarter band X4)
    • High data rates in a full rollout scenario, where each BPL SMGW amplifies the network (e.g. in full band X1)

These characteristics make Nessum a future-proof technology for the digitalisation of energy infrastructure.

Interoperability as the basis for open smart grid structures

A key objective of the plugfest was to demonstrate interoperability between devices from different manufacturers. This capability is crucial for building open, scalable and stable smart grid infrastructures. The successful interaction of the components underscores the maturity of the Nessum standard and its importance for the next generation of network technologies.

Global collaboration for a shared vision

With ECOLINQX, GE Vernova, Giga Fast, Helvetia and Teldat, the plugfest brought together manufacturers and technology providers from around the world and impressively demonstrated the international momentum behind the Nessum ecosystem. Global partnerships strengthen the further development of the standard and promote solutions that meet the growing demands of modern supply networks.