According to Nokia, a converged private LTE and IP/MPLS FAN is a single communications platform that can support use cases for OT and IT, IoT and launch new services and business models.

A converged Field Area Network (FAN) allows a utility to start with its legacy use cases, adding new use cases as they expand and execute its digitalisation and automation strategies.

The telecommunications network will allow ESB Networks to integrate more renewable energy onto the grid and decarbonise the network through enhanced grid monitoring and control along with field force enablement.

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Nicholas Tarrant, ESB Networks managing director, commented in a statement: “The purpose-built private telecommunications network now being developed will be a key enabler in delivering integration of renewable energy to the grid, decarbonisation of the electricity network and the electrification of heat and transport amongst other benefits. As such, this private, reliable, and secure mobile network will be an indispensable precursor to delivering a Net Zero-ready electricity network.”

The new solution will offer ESB Networks the following advantages:

• Distribution automation (DA) to improve grid reliability, efficiency and agility;
• Distributed Energy Resources (DER) integration to monitor and control interconnection;
• Safeguarding both IP and Ethernet data traffic end-to-end, securing your network and use cases against cyber threats;
• The network capabilities facilitate use cases with IEC 61850/GOOSE and peer-to-peer multipoint communications. It is a simple evolution to 5G when your use cases require it.

Phil Siveter, UK & Ireland CEO at Nokia said: “Enabling the decarbonising of energy grids while ensuring resilient critical infrastructure is an opportunity that we are helping customers address across the world.

“We are delighted that ESB Networks and Sigma Wireless entrust Nokia to deploy private LTE infrastructure running over their converged IP/MPLS backhaul network for critical grid communications to support the modernization and digitization of the energy grid throughout the Republic of Ireland.”

60-minute session

Join this recorded discussion to learn from Nokia’s experiences in designing mission-critical private wireless networks for power utilities worldwide. Our panel of experts discuss use cases, spectrum and devices for utility private wireless networks, along with technology evolution and approaches for building resilient, future-proof private LTE/5G RAN solutions.

The panel also provide insights on key topics such as:

• How to plan a private wireless network to ensure sufficient coverage and capacity for utility use cases
• How to select, handle and optimise site and battery configurations for different site types
• The pros and cons of multi-sector sites and small cell site alternatives.

We look forward to sharing what we’ve learned about how a well-designed private wireless solution can help you build a smarter grid, reach your net-zero goals and support new business models.

Speakers:

Dr. Ali Shah, Head Business Development | Nokia

Hemant Relan, Radio Solutions Manager | Nokia

Dave Chapman, Services Solutions Manager | Nokia

Join this recorded discussion on the benefits of broadband wireless as the communications foundation for digital connectivity for offshore wind farms.

Through the use of case studies focusing on safety, welfare and efficiency, we examine the challenges, benefits, and role of a private 4G/5G network that connects workers, vessels, sensors and operations centers. Communications requirements during wind farm construction, as well as its operation, to improve worker safety and productivity, optimize costs and build a foundation for future innovation will be explored.

Speakers share insights on:

• Key technical and commercial pain points
• Personnel safety offshore
• Private 4G/5G network benefits as a communications foundation for digitalisation
• Lessons from field case studies

Speakers:

Graham Gow, Associate Director | BVG Associates
Pad Browne, Consultant | BVG Associates
Chris Jones, Head Energy Europe | Nokia