The digitalized energy system requires telecommunications networks with increasingly complex architectures capable of offering differentiated services, often with very stringent reliability, availability, and security requirements. The document provides an overview of the main features and advantages that the adoption of new generation mobile telecommunications networks can provide to the digitalisation of the energy system.

To evaluate its potential, the characteristics of the services made available by the most recent fifth generation 5G technology and the developments expected with the sixth generation 6G networks are analysed. We highlight the objectives that have guided the evolution of the technology and the differences of 5G compared to previous generations, the role of stakeholders, the key technologies that characterize the different solutions with an eye to the near future, identifying the potential of networks beyond 5G and 6G.

To understand the paradigm shift that has occurred in recent years and the potential for the energy system of the latest generations of mobile networks, the document briefly describes the different technologies underlying current networks, delves into the characteristics and fundamental concepts of 5G networks with a look at the next developments. The focus is placed on the possible use of these networks in the energy context also by analyzing the relevant initiatives and projects in this area.

The Report is available on the Italian site