Ethernet - key success factor in transition to energy efficiency

The need for (industrial) Ethernet networks for networking in the energy transition is critical. Only by consistently extending data networks to every energy consumer will efficient and intelligent energy infrastructures become possible. Ethernet, as a reliable and widely used data transmission technology, plays a key role in integrating different energy sources and consumers into the power grid.

The energy transition aims to shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. This means ending the burning of fossil fuels for transportation purposes, as well as abandoning their use for heating in the building sector and generating electricity from fossil fuels in power plants. This will lead to a change in energy sources and consequently to increasing decentralization of energy generation. Wind farms, solar power plants and other renewable sources will be built where they are strategically beneficial and efficient, as will the production of alternative energy sources such as hydrogen. This is where networks come into the picture. Ethernet enables efficient communication and control between decentralized energy systems and the power grid.

"Industrial Ethernet plays an important role as the foundation and central nervous system for seamless data communications for the success of the All Electric Society. HARTING is making its contribution here - both pluggable and cable-based." Jörg Scheer, Managing Director HARTING Customised Solutions & HARTING Electronics

Generating electricity

Networks make it possible to connect renewable energy sources to share energy surpluses and offset bottlenecks. This significantly improves the overall efficiency and reliability of the power grid. In addition, communication via Ethernet enables real-time monitoring and control of power generation, enabling optimal adaptation to current demand. Away from unnecessarily high, potential peak loads and toward dynamic, demand-oriented generation of energy in accordance with current consumption.

Consumer

Ethernet also promotes the development of smart grids. Through the implementation of smart technologies and communication systems, consumers will be able to manage their energy consumption more efficiently and distribute loads better. This will result in better integration of electric vehicles, home storage systems and other energy-efficient technologies. The bottom line is that most of the larger electricity consumers, both residential and business, should become smart in the future and be able to "coordinate" their consumption with energy suppliers.

In industry

Networking is also critical to the success of energy management systems in industrial companies. Ethernet-based solutions enable comprehensive real-time monitoring and analysis of energy consumption, which in turn leads to improved energy efficiency and lower costs. Energy requirements can be recorded and communicated very precisely, depending on the time of day and ongoing production. By intelligently analyzing data over long periods of time, algorithms can predict demand within a given framework. This is especially important in industry, which has the highest demand for electrical energy in Germany at 43%. If the transportation sector becomes increasingly electrically powered in the future, it will also become highly relevant for the precise coordination of demand and production.

In summary, Ethernet and networks play a central role in the energy transition because they provide a common basis for communication that enables the seamless integration and control of decentralized energy sources. By implementing intelligent technologies and smart grids, we create sustainable and efficient energy infrastructures that are essential for a successful energy transition.