The name already gives it away: The gateway is a gate that connects a domestic data network with a much larger network. It is the interface through which all the data collected by the digital, intelligent electricity and gas meters – the smart meters – flows. This data is processed, anonymised and available in this form to all authorised market participants. For example, the energy suppliers with whom you have concluded a contract.
Smart Meter Gateway: Important for the Energy Transition
The smart meter gateway has a key role to play in tackling two pressing energy policy goals: the expansion of renewable energies and the rapidly growing demand for electricity.
The problem with the two most important renewable energies, solar and wind, is that they cannot be used continuously or on demand. If the sun is not shining, the wind is not blowing, no energy is produced. On the other hand, at other times there is an oversupply of energy that cannot be fed into the grids.
Problem number two: We want to switch completely to renewable energies for heating and transport. That means: on electricity. As a result, the demand for electricity increases considerably. It is true that our electrical appliances are becoming more and more economical in consumption. But now the electric car and the heating system must also be supplied with electricity.
Hopes are pinned on the smart meter gateway
In this initial situation, all hopes rest on the smart meter gateway. Digital technology should make it possible to stagger and distribute the energy supply in such a way that every household can be reliably supplied with electricity. For example, not all electric cars in a street are charged at full power at one and the same time, but gradually overnight.
Fluctuations must be smoothed out so that the grid is not overloaded. This also means that the connected wallboxes (for charging the e-cars) and heat pumps can be temporarily throttled. In addition, it should also be possible for consumers to buy electricity in a very targeted manner, namely when it is particularly cheap. Which offers will be added is currently still completely open.
Smart meter gateway for the mass market
The technology of the future is contained in a device that is hardly larger than a piece of butter and that can be installed by a specialist in just a few minutes. Provided that you have an appropriately equipped control cabinet and digital meters. The wallbox and heat pump can also be connected directly.