Bahnstrom: Market communication via AS4 with NoSpamProxy
Since version 15.4, NoSpamProxy Server has supported the management and processing of Bahnstrom via the AS4 protocol. Customers benefit from secure, reliable and clear market communication for Bahnstrom.
AS4 market communication and Bahnstrom
The Bundesnetzagentur (BNetzA) has stipulated the gradual introduction of the AS4 communication protocol to safeguard electricity market communication. In Germany, the mandatory introduction of AS4 was regulated with the Market Communication 2022 (MaKo 2022).
The use of the AS4 communication protocol for the exchange of Bahnstrom data is part of the regulatory requirements for market communication in the energy industry. In order to enable the use of secure transmission paths and thus data protection and the security of the communication processes between the various communication processes between the various market participants in the Bahnstrom network, the AS4 protocol is also to be used for all data exchange in the Bahnstrom network from July 1, 2025 at the latest.
What is Bahnstrom?
Bahnstrom is a special form of electrical current that is used for the operation of electrically powered railways. Bahnstrom is generated in special Bahnstrom power plants or transformed from the public power grid to the Bahnstrom frequency via converters.
The Bahnstrom grid is operated by DB Energie GmbH and is a speciality in the German energy market, as it is operated independently of the general electricity grid. This network is approx. 7,900 kilometres long and supplies the railways directly.
Bahnstrom differs from the electricity used in the general power grid in many respects. In many countries (e.g. Germany, Austria and Switzerland), Bahnstrom is operated at a frequency of 16.7 hertz, whereas in the general electricity grid it is operated at 50 hertz. The reason for the lower frequency is the development of electric motors, which used to be easier to build for lower frequencies.
The advantage of separating the Bahnstrom from the public grid is that it enables an independent and stable supply to the railways. In addition, energy losses can be minimised and the requirements of railway operations can be better met.
What is AS4?
AS4 is a communication protocol and stands for Applicability Statement 4. It was developed specifically for use in B2B communication to ensure the security, reliability and interoperability of electronic messages. It is based on the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) standards.
Bahnstrom in the context of AS4
With regards to Bahnstrom, AS4 is used, just as in the regular electricity market, to standardise market communication between the players involved, such as grid operators, suppliers, metering point operators and Bahnstrom customers. This is particularly important because the Bahnstrom grid, as described above, is an independent energy supply system, but at the same time interacts with the public electricity market.
The AS4 protocol is used in the following areas of application, among others:
NoSpamProxy is ready for Bahnstrom
On March 31, 2022, the BNetzA published its decision BK6-21-282 on the future ‘Safeguarding of electronic market communication for electricity’ in the 50 Hz electricity sector. The aim is to switch to the AS4 transmission path.
For the period between April 1, 2024 and July 1, 2025, the Bahnstrom-specific market partners (railway undertakings, holders, metering point operators, communication service providers) will be able to use both the S/MIME transmission path and the AS4 transmission path during a transitional period. During the transition period, it is possible to switch to AS4 before July 1, 2025.
Since version 15.4, NoSpamProxy Server has supported the management and processing of Bahnstrom data. Customers benefit from secure, reliable and clear market communication for Bahnstrom.
Message tracking provides customers with a quick overview of messages relevant to Bahnstrom. The detailed views of the messages show further information on the processing of the respective message.
Not yet using NoSpamProxy?
With NoSpamProxy, you can reliably protect your company from cyber attacks and benefit from seamless integration with AS4. Request your free trial version now!
