The energy industry is evolving rapidly. Decentralization, electrification, and digitalization are driving fundamental changes—but with innovation come new challenges.
Some key questions: How do we ensure interoperability between different systems? What role does cybersecurity play in modern energy infrastructure? How do you see digitalization shaping the future of the industry?
One approach to tackling these challenges is open, standardized communication—technologies like OPC UA, IEC 61850, DNP3, and IEC 60870 enable seamless integration. But every project is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
I’d love to hear your thoughts! What are the biggest challenges you see in the energy sector? And how do you approach digitalization in your projects?
Let’s exchange ideas—looking forward to your insights!
I’m looking forward to your ideas—any thoughts are welcome, even if you don’t have direct experience but have only heard or read about the energy industry.
Rule: There are no bad ideas! To encourage discussion, let’s start with a poll.
What are your experiences/knowledge about the energy industry?
I’m interested and active in this industry
I’m interested but not active—looking for future opportunities
I have never participated in any project in the energy industry. However, I will share my thoughts and the knowledge I have about this field.
As the energy landscape becomes more decentralized, integrating various energy sources and technologies is crucial. Standardized communication protocols, such as OPC UA and IEC 61850, play a vital role in achieving seamless integration.
But from my point of view, a functional and universal solution is still missing. Developing interoperable solutions is not a task for a single company; it must be done in collaboration with startups, large corporations, and research institutions.
In the Czech Republic, we have an Innovation Centre that connects and supports companies in development, and EU subsidies can be used for this purpose. B&R Czech has had very good experiences with one center near my hometown: Intemac.
With increased digitalization, the energy sector faces heightened cybersecurity risks. Protecting critical infrastructure from cyber threats is paramount. It is important that the hardware used is produced by trusted companies that are certified for Europe. So the price should not be the most important factor for selection.
Digital technologies are revolutionizing energy management (and not only). I believe ABB has extensive experience in this area, and we can learn from it and participate as well. A great example of successful collaboration in the Czech Republic is the digital monitoring system implemented between Teplárna Kladno and ABB, which enhances efficiency and reliability: Read more.
Key takeaways:
There are many existing standards and initiatives, so I would not reinvent the wheel but rather join an existing one.
From B&R’s perspective, we can contribute to solutions ranging from single-machine applications, such as battery assembly, to complete energy solutions based on APROL, innovative hardware, and—last but not least—the extensive experience of B&R application engineers. It all comes down to seizing opportunities and potentially cooperating with ABB, but not only.
Take my general thought as inspiration. How do you see it? What does this industry look like in your country?
One approach to tackling these challenges is open, standardized communication —technologies like OPC UA, IEC 61850, DNP3, and IEC 60870 enable seamless integration. But every project is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
OPC UA is already implemented in all our controllers and can be easily configured in Automation Studio. Essentially, all relevant data can be declared as OPC UA variables.
For the IEC 61850, IEC 60870, and DNP3 protocols, we have developed a dedicated library. These libraries can generally be used on all B&R target systems, though the PLC performance must be adjusted based on the application requirements.
For IEC 61850, we currently offer a server solution. A limited client solution is in development and is expected to be available by the end of 2025.
IEC 60870 has been available at B&R for over 20 years, both as a client and a server.
DNP3 was released at the end of 2024, and we offer a DNP3 Outstation function.
Out of curiosity, do you see any potential applications for these solutions on your side? What is your focus, and how do you currently handle these communication protocols?
Yes we do see a lot of customers asking for theses specific communication specifically IEC61850, 101 , 104…
coming back to above topics
For IEC 61850, we currently offer a server solution. A limited client solution is in development and is expected to be available by the end of 2025.
where can we see info about it ??
Help doesnot provide any info… would love to hear
How do we ensure interoperability between different systems?
What role does cybersecurity play in modern energy infrastructure?
How do you see digitalization shaping the future of the industry?
To encourage discussion, let’s start with a poll.
that connects and supports companies in development, and EU subsidies 
can be used for this purpose. B&R Czech has had very good experiences with one center near my hometown: 
should not be the most important factor for selection.
in the Czech Republic is the digital monitoring system implemented between Teplárna Kladno and ABB, which enhances efficiency and reliability:
How do you see it?
