The realignment of the power industry is one of the major challenges of the new millennium. It comprises two central components: the new energy supply structures, known as the “energy turnaround” – it is a new structure in energy supply that differs markedly be-tween the extremes of 100 % renewables and business-as-usual strategies, which more or less favour conventional generation. The second component concerns digitisation, often referred to as “Industry 4.0”. Irrespective of the way in which the objectives are de-fined, it affects all types of power production and ultimately also the consumer, because one factor is the digital coupling of production and consumption. The scale of this project seems enormous. On the generation side, around 1.5 million – exemplarily for Germany – are to be integrated into a state-of-the-art infrastructure with the support of digital systems, mainly decentralised and regenerative generation plants with their fluctuating and unplannable feed-in. On the part of consumers, between 40 and 50 million consumers can be digitally connected. With the existing interconnection of national electricity grids in Europe and the undoubted advantages of common structures, the scope of this task is growing accordingly, but also offers the opportunity to achieve advantages for work, economical growth and the environment through joint action at European level. Here, national and European policies are also called upon to set rules that promote legal certainty and innovation in order to shape the handling of data.

The following four fields of action with a view to digitisation and industry 4.0 are emerging for power generation:

• Integration of all types of generation into a secure, environmentally friendly and cost-effective dynamic structure.
• Integrated engineering for the planning, construction, operation and maintenance of plants.
• Real-time management of generation assets.
• Integration into the operator’s management system.

For this reason, these topics are of central importance for the VGB PowerTech association with regard to the services provided by VGB PowerTech for its members.

For more than four decades, VGB PowerTech has been supplying an important component for digitisation and industry 4.0 with its Power Plant Identification System (KKS) and the newly developed Reference Designation System for Power Plants (RDS-PP®). Only KKS and RDS-PP® enable power plants to be digitally mapped in a meaningful way.

The KKS power plant classification system is a system for identifying plants, systems, subsystems, equipment items, electrical and I&C cabinets, and buildings and rooms, depending on viewpoints of the plant operating companies. Application of the KKS classification system is specified and prescribed by the guidelines of VGB.

A designation according to the KKS classification system comprises a combination of letters and numerals. The letters are usually used for classification of the systems and units. The numerals are usually used for numbering. This ensures clear labelling and thus a common understanding for all parties involved.

The RDS-PP® is the further development for the proven identification system for power plants KKS. Compared to this, it provides a number of innovations and extensions, coming up for today’s requirements for designation of power plants components. In contrast to the KKS, RDS-PP® was enhanced with a view on new forms of power generation, e. g. decentralised plants.

The new designation system is based on international standards, especially to ISO/TS 81346-10, ISO/TS 81346-3, related to the struc-turing principles and the designation systematic. The VGB Working Panel “Reference Designation and Plant Documentation” takes an active part in the development of the RDS-PP® and is underlying national and international standards.

The internationality of the RDS-PP® and its consistent structuring help to avoid mistakes and misunderstandings in plant designation, which increases plant safety and supports potential for a more efficient operation. Like the KKS, the RDS-PP® is a common standard for operators and manufacturers of power plants. This worldwide recognition now opens up further potential for long-term cost reductions in the planning, construction and operation of power plants.

Digitisation in power generation is reality. It will further expand on the basis of common standards, unlock new potential and increase efficiency and cost-effectiveness in existing and new-build plants as also in th whole sector.