IEC 61850 Ed.2.1: A new milestone in smart grid interoperability
Image credit: Kema Labs
As electricity networks evolve to integrate renewable sources, distributed generation and advanced automation, the need for standardised, secure and interoperable communication between devices has become critical.
The digitalisation of substations is a cornerstone in the ongoing transformation of energy systems. In this context, the IEC 61850 standard has emerged as the global reference for enabling next generation substation automation and data exchange. Among those leading its implementation and testing is Riccardo Maria Seresini, an Electronic Engineer who has been with CESI since 2008.
After working in the field of cellular networks, Riccardo joined CESI to support utilities in developing solutions for substation automation, DER management and metering based on advanced communication and data modeling standards. He also delivered technical training on IEC 61850 and began participating in national and international standardisation activities, becoming Vice President of the Italian Technical Committee 57 in 2016.
In 2019/2020, he joined CESI’s testing division, KEMA Labs, where he led the implementation and UCAIUG accreditation of a level A laboratory dedicated to IEC 61850 Ed.2.0 server certification. The lab later expanded to include sampled values testing according to ‘Guideline 9-2LE’, IEC 61869-9, and the full Ed.2.1 certification. Today, Riccardo is the main point of contact for this specialised facility.
Edition 2.1 of IEC 61850 marks a significant advancement for digital substations. Starting from January 2024, certification to this version has become mandatory under UCAIUG policy, with Edition 2.0 certification remaining optional only for a limited time. This shift affects both IED manufacturers and testing laboratories, which must constantly update their testing procedures and ensure accreditation for each version.
“Testing campaigns allow manufacturers to verify the maturity of their implementations or identify areas that need improvement,” Riccardo explains. “This process leads to more robust and future-proof devices, aligned with the most recent technical requirements.”
One major evolution concern sampled values on the process bus. Initially defined in a simplified form by ‘Guideline 9-2LE’ under Edition 1, this approach has now evolved into a more flexible and feature-rich version through the IEC 61869-9 standard, enabling advanced configurations and time synchronisation methods for instrument transformers.
Further enhancements are evident in communication between IEDs via GOOSE messages, which now support more complex and geographically distributed automation architectures, complete with cybersecurity-enforced protocol stacks. Edition 2.1 also enables communication over both IPv4 and IPv6, an important capability for future-ready systems. KEMA Labs is well positioned in this regard among UCAIUG-accredited laboratories.
Third party certification by a level A lab plays a crucial role in building market trust. “This certification process is a necessary condition for the interoperability of devices, which is essential for utilities, system integrators and manufacturers involved in complex substation automation”, Riccardo emphasises.
Beyond the technical impact, certification can drive business opportunities. Riccardo recalls a case in which a manufacturer pursued full certification from 9-2LE to IEC 61869-9 under Edition 2.1. This not only helped them meet the demands of a major client, securing a strategic contract, but also strengthened their market positioning and opened the door to future commercial growth.
In a rapidly evolving energy landscape where digitalisation and interoperability are indispensable, IEC 61850 Edition 2.1 and the work of expert certified labs like KEMA Labs are critical enablers of a smarter, more resilient power grid.
Author
Riccardo Maria Seresini – Senior Engineer at KEMA Labs, a CESI division.
About the company
KEMA Labs, a division of CESI, is a global leader in independent testing, inspection, and certification services for the electricity industry. With facilities worldwide, KEMA Labs combines proven methodologies with cutting-edge technology to test grid equipment, from medium to ultra-high voltage, ensuring compliance with stringent performance and safety standards.
