DNV GL advises on one of Turkey’s largest smart metering pilot projects
DNV GL expertise helps CLK Enerji ensure the future of the region’s energy supply
DNV GL, the world’s largest resource of independent energy experts, is advising CLK Enerji on the roll out of one of Turkey’s largest smart metering pilot projects. CLK Enerji, a utility sector leader, which includes Electricity Distribution and Retail Companies, commissioned the project in the last quarter of 2014. The project will see customer smart meters installed in the four CLK distribution networks, namely Akdeniz, BEDAS, CEDAS and UEDAS, covering 11 Turkish provinces. The purpose of the project is to determine the feasibility of the implementation in preparation for the deployment of a full scale Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system. CLK Enerji has secured project approval from the Turkish Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EMRA).
During the project, both the CLK Enerji and DNV GL team will collect metering data in one central IT system and test meters from different manufacturers alongside a hybrid communication infrastructure that combines Powerline Communications (PLC) and wireless communication technologies in both rural and urban grid areas. The project aims to simulate the end state of a full-scale system as closely as possible in order for CLK Enerji to acquire the relevant knowledge and experience to implement an AMI in the future.
Turkey has seen the highest increase in energy demand in the last decade amongst all OECD countries and, after China, has the world’s second largest energy consumption growth. Turkish electricity demand is expected to increase considerably in the coming years even though earlier optimistic predictions may not be fully met. Official sources were estimating growth at annual rates of between 6% and 8% until 2023. The total amount of investments to be made to meet the energy demand in Turkey over the next 10 years is estimated around USD 130 billion.
Wolfgang Spahn, Country Manager for DNV GL’s Energy business in Turkey, commented: “Aligning itself with the EU’s aim to replace at least 80% of electricity meters with smart meters by 2020, this project is a clear demonstration of CLK Enerji’s proactivity and commitment to ensuring the future of the region’s energy supply, as well boosting confidence in the sector. At DNV GL our international scale and experience means we are ideally placed to advise, not only on the strategic planning necessary to implement a full-scale smart meter project of this nature, but also to support customers with key elements such as system design, full communication infrastructure and choosing specific hardware for each project. We also have a vast range of experience with all the leading meter manufacturers and are able to write specifications that best meet individual requirements.”
With experience from more than 60 smart meter projects worldwide, DNV GL has helped numerous countries and utilities to tailor a smart metering approach best suited to them in terms of technology deployed. For the CLK Enerji project this includes providing a broad scope of activity, beginning with project planning and management, AMI pilot system planning, the development of technical specification, support through the tendering and purchasing of metering and communication devices and software, roll-out planning and support, data analysis, and in-depth failure investigation and reporting.
David Walker, CEO DNV GL – Energy will present further details on the CLK Smart Metering Pilot Project alongside CLK Enerji’s R&D Director, Mr Ilker Dursun at the upcoming International Smart Grid Congress (ICSG) on the 29th April 2015 in Istanbul.