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MMX and Siemens roll out radio network for Europe’s largest smart energy testbed


MMX designs and delivers UHF network for SEND at Keele University, helping to power smart energy innovation

MMX Communications Services Limited, a leading telecoms systems integrator who is part of the TXO Group, today announced that, in partnership with Siemens, it has developed an ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio network for the Smart Energy Network Demonstrator (SEND), based at Keele University, UK.

SEND is Europe’s largest testbed for the research and development (R&D) of renewable and smart energy technologies. Keele University, in partnership with Siemens, has created a centrally controlled, self-healing energy micro-grid across the campus. Integrating electricity, gas and heat, this smart energy network has helped Keele reduce carbon emissions by 4,000 tonnes and save £2 million in energy costs per annum. The project involved the digitalisation of 24 substations, the installation of over 1,500 smart meters, 500 home controllers and a 5 MW renewable integration package.

The UHF network is central to the activity at SEND, allowing the energy research and business community at the ‘at-scale living laboratory’ to collect, analyse and utilise energy data with the aim of developing technologies to reduce emissions and increase energy efficiency.

MMX was selected by Siemens to deliver a full scope of radio network services and solutions to SEND. These include the review and design of the UHF network as well as the procurement, installation, commissioning and integration of hardware essential to its architecture.

Mark Stukins, Sales Director at MMX commented, “Rolling out the radio network at the Keele Uni campus demonstrates what can be achieved by parties with shared objectives. Sustainability, energy and cost reduction are what drives innovation at SEND, and we have also applied these principles to the design and build of the new radio network. Together with Siemens, we’re delivering cutting edge solutions to the utilities sector that will address key global concerns.”

Carl Ennis, CEO Siemens Smart Infrastructure GB&I, added: “Reducing global CO2 emissions is critical to the future of our planet – something which consumers and businesses alike are now well aware of. Embracing technology and accurate, real-time data is the only way of pursuing and achieving this goal. This is something the new radio network at SEND will enable, allowing businesses and academics to create and support a greener future.”

For more information on MMX Communications Services please visit www.mmxcomms.com

For more information on the Keele SEND please visit www.siemens.co.uk/keele

About MMX Communications

MMX provides fully integrated service solutions for clients operating in market sectors where high technology telecommunications assets are employed.

It provides full lifecycle support to its customers’ telecommunications networks, which includes field maintenance, spare parts management, logistics services, equipment repair, repair vendor management and warranty management for existing network infrastructure equipment, and de-installation, refurbishment, re-use, re-sale, recycling and environmental disposal services for network infrastructure equipment that has reached the end of its life.

MMX works closely with industry leading network operators and equipment manufacturers and operates in the UK across the telecommunications, petrochemical, utilities, transportation, emergency services, local government, and defence markets.

 

About Siemens

For further information on Siemens Intelligent Infrastructure, please see https://new.siemens.com/uk/en/company/topic-areas/intelligent-infrastructure.html

Siemens Smart Infrastructure (SI) is shaping the market for intelligent, adaptive infrastructure for today and the future. It addresses the pressing challenges of urbanization and climate change by connecting energy systems, buildings and industries. SI provides customers with a comprehensive end-to-end portfolio from a single source – with products, systems, solutions and services from the point of power generation all the way to consumption. With an increasingly digitalized ecosystem, it helps customers thrive and communities progress while contributing toward protecting the planet. SI creates environments that care. Siemens Smart Infrastructure has its global headquarters in Zug, Switzerland, and has around 71,000 employees worldwide.