A profound transformation is occurring in the global energy landscape. As the world shifts away from fossil fuels and embraces renewable energy sources, modernizing electricity distribution networks has become an urgent priority.
Traditional grids, designed for one-way power flows from centralized fossil fuel plants to end users; now need to integrate millions of distributed energy resources (DERs), such as rooftop solar panels, wind farms, and battery storage, requiring grids to dynamically manage supply and demand fluctuations.
As highlighted by Gianni Ceneri, our Chief Technology Officer, in a video reportage by our partner ST Microelectronics: “Historically, the grid was controlled, using several panels and analogue switches, but this is no longer sufficient to meet today's challenges. We need a smarter grid. The digitalization of the grid is a crucial step toward clean energy. By adding intelligence, we can quickly enhance grid performance, flexibility, and resilience, while reducing investment costs. That is crucial as the energy transition is happening at a rapid pace.”
In addition to renewable integration and infrastructure challenges, Distribution System Operators (DSOs) face increased electrification due to the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), heat pumps and industrial electrification. This growing demand puts additional stress on distribution networks, making real-time data analytics and automation even more critical.
A key enabler of this transformation is smart metering technology, which plays a pivotal role in addressing challenges such as grid reliability, energy efficiency, and distributed energy sources integration.
Smart metering: Gridspertise’s cutting-edge approach
The increasing electricity demand and the need to integrate new dynamic loads are adding complexity to the grid. At our Smart Grids Labs in Milan, we are continuously designing and testing innovative solutions, including the latest addition to our smart meter portfolio: the Globy. This flexible, modular, and interoperable smart meter supports multiple communication technologies and protocols, making it the ideal solution for the upcoming second-generation smart meter rollouts in Europe and beyond.
Leveraging our deep expertise in smart metering, we help DSOs increase grid reliability through real-time data monitoring and improve grid management. With our future-proof solutions we provide granular data on energy consumption and allow utilities to detect and respond to outages more quickly, reducing downtime, and improving overall grid reliability. They also help integrate DERs, optimize energy distribution, and enhance grid security.
Globy: the next-generation smart meter
With a track record of over 100 million smart meters delivered worldwide, we are enabling DSOs to modernize their networks and enhance grid stability. A prime example of this innovation is Globy, an interoperable smart meter capable of adapting to different communication modules directly in the field.
Globy is a smart metering solution that helps tackle several challenges faced by DSOs in the context of low-voltage grid digitalization. It enhances grid flexibility and stability by enabling bi-directional energy measurement and advanced management of technical parameters, allowing DSOs to manage fluctuating demand patterns and bidirectional power flows more effectively. Acting as a grid sensor, Globy provides valuable data on power quality, interruptions, and variations, which help DSOs monitor and improve the reliability of the low-voltage network.
With high data granularity and increased acquisition rates, Globy supports load profile management, enabling DSOs to optimize energy usage and implement strategies like multi-tariff programs. It also supports home automation and the integration of DERs, including EVs, enabling models such as real-time customer feedback, pre-payment programs, and automatic management based on real consumption prices.
Distinctive Features: flexible, built to last and interoperable
Gridspertise’s latest smart meter, Globy, includes functionalities for revenue protection and fraud detection, helping DSOs identify and address fraud attempts to ensure accurate billing. It is compliant with DLMS international standards, allowing it to function with third-party vendor solutions and integrate with existing installations.
It features a modular architecture that supports multiple communication technologies, including G3 Hybrid (PLC + RF mesh), Cellular NB-IoT, and LTE, ensuring seamless connectivity across diverse infrastructure conditions, even in rural areas with weak signal. This flexibility enables DSOs to select the most suitable communication protocol based on regional needs, improving the efficiency of smart meter rollouts.
Globy also brings several operational benefits thanks to its modularity. It allows utilities to replace individual components rather than the entire meter, reducing operational costs. The separation of metrology and communication technologies speeds up certification processes while lowering the costs associated with upgrades and developments.
“We want to make the production process as simple as possible to build the Globy faster and get it to the customer quicker,” highlights Head of Manufacturing, Stefano Vilardi, interviewed in a success story published by Gridspertise’s partner ST Microelectronics that deepens the processes of the smart meter’s design and production.
Cooperation with partners like ST Microelectronics is crucial for integrating advanced technologies, such as hybrid powerline communication modules, and achieving seamless, innovative solutions in energy management.
Building a sustainable future
Beyond smart metering, the company is committed to sustainability and circular economy principles. By developing solutions that extend infrastructure lifespans, the company supports the global push toward decarbonization while minimizing environmental impact. An aspect that is constantly gaining importance for Gridspertise, as underscored by Sara Bucciarelli, our Chief Procurement Officer: “Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor in the energy sector and for our company.”
The future of energy distribution relies on intelligent, adaptive, and decentralized networks that can support a carbon-neutral world. Investing in smart metering, automated grid management, and next-generation communication protocols is essential to ensure sustainable, efficient, and reliable energy for the future.