Trilliant champions hybrid networks for Europe’s energy transition
Trilliant is focusing on the growing complexity faced by utilities and smart cities in Europe as they pursue energy transition goals. The company highlights the need for flexible and interoperable infrastructure that can adapt to evolving demands, particularly in areas such as cost control, network reliability, and regulatory compliance.
Network complexity
Utilities are experiencing increasing pressure to upgrade networks while managing costs and ensuring long-term adaptability. Traditional reliance on a single communications technology-such as private radio frequency (RF) networks or public/private cellular-no longer meets modern requirements. The company argues that integrating multiple communication technologies is becoming essential to support robust, scalable infrastructure.
Hybrid strategy
Gavin Farrand, Vice President of Sales, UK and Europe, addressed the issue of hybrid connectivity strategies as key for utility communications. Hybrid networks, which combine public cellular and private RF technologies, are designed to optimise both coverage and performance while mitigating risks associated with technology changes and market fluctuations.
"The real challenge isn't choosing one technology over another. Instead, it's designing a network that intelligently integrates multiple technologies into a hybrid solution built for flexibility and performance. It's about creating a customised network that integrates, adapts, and strengthens over time. Hybrid connectivity enables utilities to mitigate risk, enhance coverage, optimise performance, and maintain continuity even as market conditions and technology standards evolve. It's the foundation for a fluid, future-ready grid built to meet tomorrow's needs today," said Farrand, Vice President of Sales, UK and Europe, Trilliant.
Customer impact
One issue highlighted is that private RF networks offer control and dedicated capacity but can be costly to scale and limited in speed. Alternatively, public cellular networks can provide rapid deployment and broad coverage, though they may not guarantee consistent service in rural areas and often involve long-term contracts. Hybrid architectures can support modernisation without forcing utilities down a single technological path, allowing organisations to choose solutions that best fit their operational context and customer requirements.
Operational flexibility
Hybrid solutions are presented as enabling utilities to grow at their own pace, avoid mandatory technology migrations, and implement systems that support customer-centric goals. According to the firm, these approaches help utilities align infrastructure investment with operational and regulatory demands while supporting the transition towards digitalisation and decarbonisation.
Data utilisation
The integration of hybrid connectivity is also positioned as a driver for more effective data management. Actionable data is necessary for the adoption of AI solutions and improved decision-making. Trilliant's platforms are structured to connect legacy and next-generation infrastructure, aiming to deliver secure and reliable data to utilities seeking to optimise demand-side management and distributed energy resource (DER) usage.
Industry perspective
Jim Madej, President and CEO of Trilliant, commented on the strategic priorities for utilities and cities, including the need to adapt to AI integration and increasing digitalisation.
"As utilities and smart cities across Europe advance their energy transition journeys, they're navigating a new wave of complexity from AI integration to the accelerating need for digitalisation. Meeting these goals requires solutions that are flexible, scalable, interoperable and built on the power of choice. That's what Trilliant delivers," said Madej.
