Some examples of Mott MacDonald’s work in the area of Smart Grids and Smart Metering are listed below.

Smart Grid Projects

• Development of a technology strategy for migrating mission-critical applications such as teleprotection and SCADA to a packet-based network in preparation for smart grid
• Development of Smart Grid capabilities for an eco-city
• CIGRÉ Working Group: Comms Access to Customers (Smartgrids)
• ICT strategy to support future requirements of smart energy networks and implementation of Next Generation Networks

Smart Metering Projects

• Comparison of communication technologies for communicating with smart meters
• Cost / benefit analysis of smart metering roll-out options
• Study of PLC / BPL technologies for communicating with smart meters across UK distribution networks

Smart Grid Projects

Development of a technology strategy for migrating mission-critical applications such as teleprotection and SCADA to a packet-based network in preparation for smart grid

The client was a vertically-integrated power company with a nationwide power network. They had a large existing network that was based mainly on technologies such as SDH and PDH, but also had some IP capabilities. A substantial upgrade would be needed to meet the new requirements of smart grids and smart metering, so Mott MacDonald were asked to prepare a technology strategy for this upgrade.

Mott MacDonald benchmarked the client against other utility telecoms operators. They demonstrated the case for migrating from a TDM-based network to IP/MPLS, and addressed technical concerns about latency and security for mission-critical network applications such as teleprotection.

Mott MacDonald also built a cost model for the proposed network enhancements, and proposed a suitable network migration strategy and roll-out plan.


Development of Smart Grid capabilities for an eco-city

Mott MacDonald was responsible for the design of the ICT infrastructure and the MV and LV power distribution network for the development of the world’s first carbon-neutral city. The design included smart metering for electricity, potable water, waste water and solid waste, and used smart grid techniques to manage the demand for electricity. This work included the development of intelligent applications such as DMS, BMS, EMS, DSM, HCU, OCU and GIS that facilitate and manage the operation of the power network elements.

CIGRÉ Working Group: Comms Access to Customers (Smartgrids)

Mott MacDonald staff participated in the CIGRÉ working group to examine the various solutions available to provide communication access to consumers and producer premises, and the role and evolution of smart grids within this environment.

ICT strategy to support future requirements of smart energy networks and implementation of Next Generation Networks

Mott MacDonald were awarded a contract by a distribution network operator to develop a strategy for ICT services to support the creation of a smart grid. In addition, the outcome had to address shorter term issues caused by the implementation of a Next Generation Network by the incumbent telco.

Smart Metering Projects

Comparison of communication technologies for communicating with smart meters

Mott MacDonald carried out a detailed evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of Wide Area Network (WAN) technologies that could be used to support smart metering in the UK. The technologies considered were GPRS / 3G, Wireless Mesh, PowerLine Communications (PLC) and long range (point-to-multipoint) radio.

Cost / benefit analysis of smart metering roll-out options

Mott MacDonald carried out a study for the UK government on the costs and benefits of different roll-out options for smart metering in the UK. This involved a detailed analysis of the market dynamics and cost structures of various players (suppliers, meter operators and owners) in the sector. The report was subsequently published, and played a central role in subsequent discussions about smart metering roll-out options.

Study of PLC / BPL technologies for communicating with smart meters across UK distribution networks

Mott MacDonald assessed the feasibility of implementing PowerLine Communications (PLC) and Broadband over PowerLine (BPL) for communicating with smart meters over UK distribution networks. The report identified technical and operational issues that would have to be addressed, and proposed suitable solutions.