In conversation with John Cronin on leveraging narrowband RF mesh networks, IoT for energy efficiency

In this interview, John Cronin, Executive Chairman at CyanConnode Holdings Plc, talks about RF mesh networks, energy efficiency, and the company’s innovative approaches to IoT integration. He also discusses how they address the growing demand for solutions needed to create a future-ready, sustainable energy infrastructure.

According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), emerging and developing countries could incur potential economic losses of nearly $1.3 trillion if they fail to upgrade and digitalise their energy network infrastructure. As a world leader in designing and developing Narrowband RF mesh networks that enable Omni Internet of Things (IoT) communications, CyanConnode plays a vital role in preventing such losses.

In this interview, John Cronin, Executive Chairman at CyanConnode Holdings Plc, talks about RF mesh networks, energy efficiency, and the company’s innovative approaches to IoT integration. He also discusses how they address the growing demand for solutions needed to create a future-ready, sustainable energy infrastructure.

Interviewer: CyanConnode is a global leader in the design and development of Narrowband RF mesh networks. How do Narrowband RF mesh networks contribute to energy efficiency and management in IoT applications? 

John Cronin: Narrowband RF mesh networks are pivotal in enhancing energy efficiency and management in IoT applications. These networks provide highly reliable, low-power communication, enabling devices to operate efficiently over extended periods without frequent maintenance or battery replacement. Their self-forming and self-healing capabilities ensure seamless data transmission, even in challenging environments, reducing the need for manual intervention and optimising operational costs. 

In energy management, RF mesh networks facilitate near real-time data collection and communication between smart meters and control centres. This allows utilities to monitor consumption patterns, detect inefficiencies, and implement demand-side management strategies effectively. By integrating with IoT applications, these networks support advanced analytics and predictive maintenance, enabling better decision-making and resource optimisation. 

CyanConnode’s RF mesh technology, including our flagship Omni IoT platform, has been deployed globally across diverse geographies, including India, Europe, the MENA region, and Southeast Asia. Our solutions have demonstrated exceptional scalability and reliability, ensuring utilities meet energy efficiency goals while preparing for future IoT advancements. 

Interviewer: In what ways can your networking solutions help utility companies enhance their service delivery while also reducing energy consumption? 

John Cronin: CyanConnode’s networking solutions empower global utilities to enhance service delivery by enabling near real-time, reliable communication between smart meters and utility control systems. This facilitates faster outage detection, accurate billing, and efficient customer service, improving overall operational efficiency, revenue enhancement, and consumer satisfaction. 

Our solutions contribute to reducing energy consumption by providing utilities with actionable insights through granular consumption data. This enables demand-side management, time-of-use tariffs, and proactive measures to minimise energy wastage. Additionally, our networks are designed to support renewable energy integration and load forecasting, allowing utilities to transition seamlessly to greener energy sources when needed. 

CyanConnode’s deployments across diverse geographies, including Europe, India, the MENA region, and Southeast Asia, have proven instrumental in helping utilities optimise their operations, reduce losses, and build a foundation for future-ready, sustainable energy infrastructure.

Interviewer: How is CyanConnode addressing the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions through its smart technology offerings? 

John Cronin: CyanConnode is committed to advancing sustainable energy solutions through its innovative smart technology offerings. Our Omni IoT platform enables utilities to implement smart metering systems that provide near real-time data on energy consumption, facilitating efficient energy management and reducing energy loss. By supporting demand response initiatives, our technology helps balance energy supply and demand, paving the way for renewable energy integration. Additionally, our solutions minimise energy losses and enhance grid reliability, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient energy infrastructure. CyanConnode empowers utilities worldwide to meet the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions through continuous innovation. 

Underscoring this commitment, CyanConnode is proud to be among the few companies recognised with the prestigious London Stock Exchange Green Economy Mark. This distinction reflects our dedication to delivering products and services that significantly contribute to our global environmental objectives. By combining innovation with sustainability, we continue to drive energy efficiency and environmental responsibility for utilities worldwide. 

Interviewer: What future trends do you see in the energy industry related to IoT and smart technology, and how is CyanConnode preparing to meet those demands? 

John Cronin: The energy industry is rapidly evolving, with IoT and smart technologies driving key transformations. Future trends include increased adoption of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) for real-time data insights, integration of renewable energy sources with grid systems, and the use of AI and machine learning for predictive analytics and demand forecasting. Smart technologies will also be vital in supporting energy storage solutions, microgrids, and smart city initiatives. 

CyanConnode is well-prepared to meet these demands through continuous innovation. Our Omni IoT platform is designed for scalability and flexibility, supporting diverse IoT applications beyond multi-utility smart metering (Electricity, Water, and Gas) applications, such as smart street lighting and EV charging infrastructure, to name a few. Our solutions enable utilities to manage complex energy ecosystems efficiently, including renewable energy integration and load balancing. 

Additionally, with the development of our Universal Head-End System (UHES) and in-meter gateways, we are positioned to offer cutting-edge, cost-effective solutions for managing multi-technology communication systems. By focusing on reliability, adaptability, and sustainability, CyanConnode is ready to address the emerging challenges and opportunities in the energy sector covering Electricity, Water, and Gas.

John Cronin is one of the speakers at the 49th Middle East Energy, happening from April 7 to 9, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. 

The event, held under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, convenes leading energy experts, innovators, and key players from around the globe to spark innovation, foster collaboration, and shape the future of energy. It’s a premier international trade event for the power industry, covering various topics, such as energy generation, transmission, distribution, and storage. Register now!