CPQD, Lactec join forces to develop convergent platform for smart grid networks This press release was published in English using an automatic translation system By CPQD Campinas, May 12, 2026 - The joint development of technological innovation projects is one of the objectives of the partnership being established between CPQD, as an Embrapii Open RAN Competence Center, and Lactec, which acts as an Embrapii Smart Grid and Electromobility Competence Center. The agreement is being formalized this Tuesday, May 12, but the two Embrapii Competence Centers have already started their first joint project, which focuses on the development of a convergent platform, named SGHaul, that integrates 5G Open RAN and IEEE 802.15.4 technologies for the backhaul of smart power grids (smart grids). “The main application of this platform is in the reading and management of smart energy meters. With this project, the intention is to ensure that the last‑mile network, made up of meters and sensors, is able to restore itself quickly and autonomously after blackouts occur,” explains Luciana Michelotto Iantorno, a researcher at Lactec. She says that Lactec has already developed part of the solution focused on the last mile, using a mesh network architecture (Wi-SUN). “Now, the goal is to have a complete, end-to-end platform, with a convergent gateway that brings together 5G Open RAN and the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, creating an intelligent bridge between the meters and the 5G network backhaul,” the researcher adds. With this new platform, power utilities will be able to apply network intelligence to prioritize alarms and urgent commands, in order to ensure greater operational resilience, reduced downtime, and fewer financial losses. “In addition, the solution will enable network slicing for critical smart grid applications and integration with smart city solutions, ensuring national technological sovereignty in this area,” says Rodrigo Poncio, Telecom/Cloud/Edge manager at