Cemig and Huawei Partner to Establish a 450 MHz Private Wireless Network for Enhanced Connectivity

Collaboration Between Cemig and Huawei

In a significant move to tackle the evolving complexities of distribution network services, Cemig has partnered with Huawei to establish a pioneering 450 MHz private wireless network in Brazil. As the reliance on public networks increased, it became evident that Cemig's distribution devices faced mounting challenges affecting operational efficiency.

The Evolution of Distribution Services

As distribution services become more intricate, Cemig found itself heavily dependent on leased public networks for data transfer. This reliance posed substantial risks, especially as network coverage remained limited, with only about 50% availability in Brazil. Remote and desolate areas frequently faced communication disruptions, leading to considerable operational setbacks for Cemig's staff who had to travel long distances for repairs and routine checks.

Addressing Reliability Issues

The public network's service level agreements (SLAs) were not designed for the rigorous demands of an electric grid operation. During the rainy seasons, severe weather conditions often interrupted base stations and microwave links, resulting in a troubling drop in connectivity from over 90% to approximately 60%. Such interruptions made remote command executions impossible, compelling personnel to engage in manual operations directly on-site, which delayed fault resolutions, weakened reliability of power supply, and incurred substantial economic losses.

A Strategic Solution

To surmount these challenges, Cemig undertook extensive technical evaluations and global scenario analyses and finally chose to collaborate with Huawei to create Latin America’s first commercial 450 MHz private wireless network.

Following successful field tests, Cemig experienced firsthand the advantages offered by the private wireless network, bolstering their confidence in the modernization of their distribution network while generating high expectations for future energy transformations. According to a Cemig spokesperson, "Huawei provided not only the best offer during the bidding process but also proposed a scalable solution that meets our current network modernization requirements and supports future renewable energy integration. Huawei’s extensive experience in the energy sector assures us of a high-quality private communication network that is vital for our future growth."

Benefits Observed

1. Improved Power Supply Reliability: The new private wireless network elevated connection reliability to 99.99%, significantly enhancing Cemig's service delivery in power distribution.
2. Reduction in Operational Risks: The special wireless network is expected to notably improve the metrics for outage durations, thus protecting Cemig from potential fines from regulatory bodies.
3. Guaranteed Return on Investment: The network’s enhancements facilitate adherence to ANEEL’s regulatory requirements, ensuring Cemig realizes favorable returns on its investments.
4. Expansion of Core Operational Applications: This private wireless infrastructure serves as a reliable communication backbone for energy production operations, supporting the integration of advanced smart meters, the adoption of distributed photovoltaic (PV) technologies, and complex microgrid management. Thus, it fosters a dynamic interaction among resources, grids, loads, and storage, paving the way from traditional load-focused electricity production.

As Cemig and Huawei embark on this ambitious journey, the implications of this partnership extend beyond mere connectivity; it represents a significant leap towards the future of energy distribution in Brazil. The focus lies not only on current challenges but also on paving the way for sustainable and innovative energy solutions for tomorrow. For more information, visit Huawei's case study.