The German Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) has decided to implement a new communication standard for market communication in the gas sector by 1 April 2025 (BK7-19-001, GeLi Gas 2.0). 

The switchover from standard e-mail via SMTP and AS2 to the AS4 secure transmission channel (Applicability Statement 4) is obligatory with this new ruling. Communication must be secured through use of the Smart Metering PKI (public key infrastructure) of the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI), while also complying with defined cryptographic specifications.

The aim with the AS4 uniform communication standard is to secure even greater confidentiality, integrity and availability in future with regard to communication processes between the various market participants. 

The switchover follows the introduction of AS4 in market communication Electricity, which became obligatory for all market partners as of 1 April 2024. 

What does AS4 stand for?

AS4 (Applicability Statement 4) is a messaging protocol that provides a standardised method for secure and reliable exchange of documents and messages via the Internet. It is based on web services technologies with digital signatures and encryption and represents a further development of the AS2 protocol (Applicability Statement 2). 

What is market communication?

In this context, the term market communication (MaKo) refers to the electronic exchange of information and data between the various market participants in the German energy market.

In particular, MaKo encompasses the processes and protocols that are necessary to ensure everything is properly coordinated and runs smoothly in the market. Market participants include grid operators, suppliers, balancing group managers and metering point operators.

Standardised processes ensure efficient and cost-effective processing of all transactions. The objective here is to establish secure data exchange between all market participants.

We cooperate with our established partners, Utimaco and NoSpamProxy, for our AS4 Communication Suite. As a system integrator, we have extensive expertise in installing, configuring and operating Utimaco HSMs. In cooperation with our partner NoSpamProxy, we  support you throughout your entire AS4 migration project. 

The AS4 Communication Suite includes the following components:

• E-Mail Security Gateway with BSI certification from NoSpamProxy
• Utimaco Security Server (HSM), certified according to Common Criteria and FIPS 140-2
• achelos Service Package 
  • Installation and integration of the Utimaco HSM
  • Commissioning of the complete solution
  • Training
  • 1st & 2nd Level Support

• On-schedule migration to AS4 enabled by specialists
• A highly secure complete solution thanks to the use of certified products
• Personalised consultation 
• Easy implementation