EEBUS – The communication standard for the energy transition
The energy world is changing: electric mobility, heat pumps, battery storage and photovoltaic systems are changing the flow of energy in buildings and in the electricity grid. To ensure that all these systems can work together efficiently and safely, a common language is needed – and this is where EEBUS comes in.
The open communication standard EEBUS enables the networking of devices from different manufacturers and the intelligent control of their energy requirements and usage. The aim is to achieve greater grid stability, fewer peak loads and a more efficient use of renewable energies.
What is EEBUS?
EEBUS is a manufacturer-independent communication standard that enables secure and standardised data exchange between devices that consume or generate energy. It was developed specifically for smart energy management applications, such as the interaction between charging infrastructure, PV systems, heat pumps and electricity storage systems.
Since 2025, EEBUS has been recognised as the international standard IEC 63380, which represents an important milestone for interoperability in the energy sector.
Why do we need EEBUS?
The answer lies in the increasing complexity of energy supply:
- Rising number of controllable consumers such as wall boxes or heat pumps
- Fluctuating feed-in from photovoltaics or wind power
- Grid bottlenecks that can arise from parallel charging or heating
- New legal requirements, in particular those set out in Section 14a of the German Energy Industry Act (EnWG)
To overcome these challenges, devices must be able to communicate dynamically. This enables them, for example, to reduce their energy consumption during grid bottlenecks or to shift charging times to suit the grid.
EEBUS and Section 14a of the German Energy Industry Act (EnWG) – legal relevance
Section 14a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) obliges operators of new controllable consumption devices to make them controllable for grid purposes. This refers to devices such as:
- Private charging facilities for electric vehicles
- Heat pumps
- Battery storage systems
Key requirements from 2025:
- Communication via a digital interface (e.g. EEBUS)
- Connection to a smart metering system (iMSys)
- Option to reduce power in the event of grid congestion
- Optional: Reduced grid fees for participation
EEBUS meets all the technical requirements for implementing these specifications – and is recommended as a suitable solution by institutions such as BNetzA, VDE FNN and ZVEH.
How do you get started with EEBUS?
Depending on their role in the energy system, different areas of action arise:
Manufacturers & integrators:
- EEBUS communication as an integral part of new devices
- Use of open standards for long-term compatibility
- Option of EEBUS qualification, e.g. in Living Lab Cologne
System providers & installers:
- Select components specifically for EEBUS compatibility
- Integration of energy management systems with appropriate interfaces
- Use software updates to retrofit existing systems
Operators & owners:
- Look for EEBUS capability when purchasing new devices
- Ask suppliers or electricians specifically about this
- Check advantages such as future-proofing and grid fee reduction
Conclusion
EEBUS is more than just a standard – it is key to the energy transition. EEBUS transforms many individual devices into an intelligent overall system. Controlling charging times, consumption and feed-in is not only possible, but also efficient, safe and legally compliant.
Companies that rely on interoperable, EEBUS-compatible components today are laying the foundation for a future-proof energy infrastructure – both in buildings and in the grid.
Looking for a practical example?
Some manufacturers – including us – are already successfully using EEBUS in their devices. If you are interested, we would be happy to advise you on implementation in your application.
