The expansion of Broadband Powerline (BPL) in Rhineland-Palatinate is clearly gaining momentum. In collaboration with Coms4Grid, projects are currently being implemented in several network areas that demonstrate how the iMSys rollout can be reliably carried out.
In a region where hilly terrain, dense development, and a lack of cellular coverage often converge, the strengths of broadband powerline connectivity can be fully realized.
These projects share a common approach: Coms4Grid handles the planning, deployment, investment, and operation of the BPL networks, based on PPC’s latest BPL technology (Nessum Generation 6). The result is a scalable “WAN-as-a-Service” solution that accelerates the rollout and ensures a secure and available WAN connection with a high connection rate from the moment the first BPL cell is established.
From the Rhine Valley to the Palatinate Forest: Solutions for the Digitalization of the Energy Transition
A look at the region highlights the progress made:
Neustadt an der Weinstraße has just successfully launched BPL. In the Duttweiler district, a field test is being conducted under real-world conditions—using a combination of overhead and underground cables as well as typical residential development. The goal is to significantly increase the reach of smart meter gateways compared to cellular networks, thereby making control-related use cases in particular easier to plan.
At the same time, Deidesheim is taking the next step: Following a successful rollout in the Niederkirchen district—where all installed smart meter gateways are already accessible despite a virtually non-existent cellular network—the solution is now being expanded to other network areas. The project demonstrates how BPL and Wan-as-a-Service are establishing themselves as a robust yet easy-to-implement technology, particularly for regional energy suppliers.
In Bad Bergzabern, work is currently underway to build the town’s own BPL network. Together with neighboring areas such as Winden, a future-proof communications infrastructure is being established here to support the smart meter rollout.
And in Wachenheim, the BPL infrastructure has already been successfully implemented. The large-scale rollout has begun—with impressive results. Especially where traditional communication solutions reach their limits, broadband powerline provides a stable foundation for data transmission. The most vivid example of this? A campground in Burgtal: even in a remote location without cellular reception, smart meter gateways can be reliably connected here.
The examples from Rhineland-Palatinate show: As a WAN-as-a-Service provider, Coms4Grid brings the necessary expertise to ensure a fast and successful rollout. With a very high connection rate of over 95%, meter operators avoid fruitless trips and can thus serve end customers. The network deployment of BPL structures and the associated modem installation also ensures a sense of achievement right from the start of the rollout. Especially at the start of pilot projects and initiatives, the quick path to a green LED during SMGW installation ensures that BPL has already become a favorite among installers.
The iMSys rollout is making progress in Rhineland-Palatinate. Data on tariff plans and the infrastructure for leveraging managed flexibility in the energy transition are strengthening the resilience and efficiency of the energy supply and offering end customers significant savings potential. This creates a true win-win situation and, as a result, a consistently positive customer experience—an important contribution to efficiency in the energy transition.
