Canadian broadband over power line (BPL) technology company Corinex is helping digitalise the energy infrastructure in the German city of Regensburg.

It has signed a long-term contract with local utility Regensburg Netz to build a communications network for connecting smart meters.

Over the next six years, Corinex’s BPL technology will be rolled out across the entire grid to enhance efficiency and grid visibility.

Corinex’s BPL technology uses the existing power grid to transmit data at high speeds, without requiring additional telecommunications infrastructure in the low-voltage grid. With real-time data transmission capabilities, BPL plays a central role in the development of smart grids by providing the communications foundation for real-time monitoring and control in the low-voltage network.

Integrating technologies for the modernisation and digitalisation of the grid should boost operational efficiency in Regensburg and the surrounding region. The near real-time grid visibility and control enabled by Corinex (www.corinex.com) allow Regensburg Netz to optimise energy distribution and enhance grid resilience.

This improved visibility helps meet growing demands from the integration of electric vehicles and renewable energy sources into the existing power grid. It is an enabler of future grid flexibility, supporting better load balancing and reducing the risk of outages through the future controllability of flexible loads and distributed generation.

Following the successful completion of the pilot project in May 2025, Regensburg Netz is now preparing for the next phase of implementation. The pilot project confirmed the performance and practical applicability of BPL and underscored its suitability for large-scale deployment. Based on these results, the grid operator is now moving forward into the full rollout phase.

For Regensburg Netz, the integration of BPL technology brings an improvement in grid visibility through real-time insights into the entire network. The system’s sensor functions – including voltage monitoring, temperature measurement and harmonic analysis – enable grid optimisation, fast fault detection and more efficient load management. With the increasing number of electric vehicles and decentralised generation systems, this infrastructure is critical to the grid’s stability and efficiency.

The project aligns with Regensburg’s commitment to reducing CO₂ emissions and optimising energy consumption. With the rising number of electric vehicles and renewable energy sources on the grid, the city’s BPL-based smart meters enable better load management, reduced energy losses and a more flexible, cleaner electricity network.

The smart meter rollout will be implemented in stages, starting with the recently completed pilot installation and continuing with a citywide deployment to be completed by 2030. This phased approach ensures the technology integrates smoothly into the existing energy infrastructure, reducing disruptions for utilities and households.

Regensburg Netz (www.regensburg-netz.de) operates the electricity and gas grids for Regensburg and the surrounding region, ensuring energy supply for more than 250,000 people.