Itron and Norgesnett Collaborate on First Grid Edge Computing Deployment in Nordics
Rhea-AI Summary
Itron (NASDAQ: ITRI) and Norwegian utility Norgesnett announced their collaboration on the first edge computing deployment in the Nordics using Itron's Grid Edge Intelligence portfolio. Norgesnett will deploy 10,000 Itron distributed intelligence (DI)-enabled smart endpoints starting in the first half of 2026.
The project is part of Norgesnett's Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) grid modernization roadmap, aimed at gaining greater distribution system visibility and control. The DI-enabled solution will help address challenges from increased distributed energy resources, including rooftop solar power and electric vehicle adoption in Norway, where almost 96% of new cars registered in January 2025 were electric.
The smart endpoints will provide real-time energy usage data, enable remote power management, and support flexible two-way communication. This implementation aligns with Nordic Innovation's vision for the region to become the most sustainable and integrated globally by 2030.
Positive
- First-mover advantage in Nordic edge computing market
- Strategic expansion into Norway's advanced renewable energy market
- Secured contract for 10,000 smart meter deployment
- Partnership with Norway's most efficient power grid company
Negative
- Project implementation delayed until 2026
- Initial deployment to 10,000 units
Insights
Itron's collaboration with Norgesnett marks a strategic market expansion into the Nordic region with their Distributed Intelligence (DI) technology. This isn't just another smart meter deployment - it's the first edge computing implementation in the region, giving Itron first-mover advantage in a sophisticated market.
Norway presents an ideal proving ground for Itron's grid edge technology due to its nearly 100% renewable electricity system and 96% electric vehicle adoption rate in new car registrations. These factors create precisely the grid management challenges that Itron's technology is designed to solve - balancing distributed energy resources, managing demand fluctuations, and preventing outages.
The initial deployment of 10,000 DI-enabled endpoints is modest but significant as a beachhead in the Nordic market. What's technically noteworthy is the emphasis on two-way communication capabilities and real-time analytics, enabling remote application updates and power management. This flexibility allows utilities to adapt to emerging challenges without hardware replacements.
This deployment aligns with the broader utility industry shift toward edge computing, where processing happens at the endpoint rather than centrally. This architectural approach supports faster response times and enhanced grid resilience - critical factors as renewable penetration increases globally.
While financial terms remain undisclosed, this Norgesnett partnership represents measured positive progress for Itron's growth strategy in three key areas:
First, it extends Itron's geographic footprint into the Nordic utilities market, creating potential for additional regional opportunities as neighboring utilities observe results. The explicit mention of this being the "first phase" signals expansion potential beyond the initial 10,000 units.
Second, it validates Itron's strategic investment in distributed intelligence technology, which commands premium pricing compared to standard metering. This technology addresses high-growth market segments driven by renewable energy integration and EV adoption challenges.
Third, it creates a valuable reference implementation in a market with advanced renewable integration, potentially accelerating sales cycles in similar markets worldwide.
Investors should note the 2026 deployment timeframe, meaning material revenue impact is not immediate. However, the contract supports Itron's long-term positioning in the grid modernization space, which represents a sustainable growth vector as global utilities invest in infrastructure capable of managing increasingly complex distributed energy resources.
The partnership also demonstrates Itron's success in moving up the value chain from basic metering to advanced grid management solutions, which typically generate higher margins and create opportunities for recurring software and services revenue.
Norwegian Utility to Deploy Itron’s Distributed Intelligence-Enabled Smart Meters to Modernize Grid
LIBERTY LAKE, Wash., April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Itron, Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI), which is innovating new ways for utilities and cities to manage energy and water, is working together with Norwegian energy utility, Norgesnett, on the first-ever edge computing deployment in the Nordics with Itron’s Grid Edge Intelligence portfolio, which includes distributed intelligence (DI)-enabled smart meters.
As part of Norgesnett’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) grid modernization roadmap, the utility will leverage DI to gain greater distribution system visibility and control at the grid edge, from the consumer to the substation. By enabling edge computing, DI lays the foundation for efficient adoption and flexibility of distributed energy resources, enhances grid network awareness, improves decision-making and streamlines real-time grid operations.
Norway has almost an entirely renewables-based electricity system, and almost
Norgesnett will deploy 10,000 Itron DI-enabled smart endpoints in the first phase of this project beginning in the first half of 2026. Norgesnett will also have access to the Itron ecosystem, which includes a diverse set of DI applications. Itron’s DI-enabled solution lays the foundation for grid modernization, allowing the utility to access a range of applications that address the complexities and challenges from increased distributed energy resources which include rooftop solar power and electric vehicle adoption.
With flexible two-way communication, Norgesnett can update each endpoint and install applications remotely. This remote access also enables Norgesnett to shut off power due to safety concerns, move-in/move-out or nonpayment, or reduce power usage during peak demand periods. Additionally, the endpoints provide real-time energy usage data to both the end-user and the utility, benefiting customers by empowering them with insights into their electricity consumption and enabling increased energy efficiency.
The Norgesnett AMI project aligns with the Nordic Innovation, an organization under the Nordic Council of Ministers, and its vision that the Nordic region will become the most sustainable and integrated regions in the world by 2030. The DI-enabled solution is equipped to address additional smart utility and city use cases as they evolve. With real-time data insight into electricity consumption, Norgesnett can analyze data from each endpoint to understand how renewable energy resources affect energy load. As distributed energy resources continue to rise, this data is a key element in preventing outages and preventing transformer overload. This data enables consumers to reduce their energy usage, contributing to a more sustainable region.
“Recognized as the country’s most efficient grid company, we are committed to deploying solutions that increase efficiency not only for the utility company, but also for our customers. As we modernize our grid with the first DI deployment in the Nordics, we are advancing this mission. Together with Itron, we will deliver electricity in a reliable and safe manner. In addition, Itron’s solution provides advanced analytics on electricity usage, taking our service one step further,” said Vidar Kristoffersen, CEO at Norgesnett.
“The energy grid is an ever-changing landscape that needs to be flexible and adaptable to challenges and opportunities ahead. With Itron’s Grid Edge Intelligence portfolio, Norgesnett is taking an important step in creating a modernized and reliable power grid. This next generation of AMI will provide a range of benefits from improved operational efficiency, enhanced customer engagement, outage detection and overall better grid management,” said Don Reeves, senior vice president of Outcomes at Itron.
About Itron
Itron is a proven global leader in energy, water, smart city, IIoT and intelligent infrastructure services. For utilities, cities and society, we build innovative systems, create new efficiencies, connect communities, encourage conservation and increase resourcefulness. By safeguarding our invaluable natural resources today and tomorrow, we improve the quality of life for people around the world. Join us: www.itron.com.
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FAQ
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