Irish energy company ESB Networks has awarded Nokia and Sigma Wireless a contract to develop a mission-critical private mobile network.

Nokia will work with Sigma and ESB to supply and install the LTE-based private wireless system over a three-year period.

This purpose-built, mission-critical telecommunications network is a key enabler for ESB in delivering integration of renewable energy to the grid, decarbonisation of the electrical network and electrification of heat and transport, among other benefits. A dedicated smart grid telecoms network forms part of ESB’s strategy to bring benefits to Ireland from an environmental, economic and customer perspective.

“An ever smarter and agile electricity network is key to the delivery of a more sustainable future, with the customer at its core,” said Nicholas Tarrant, ESB managing director. “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, among other benefits. As such, this private, reliable and secure mobile network will be an indispensable precursor to delivering a net-zero-ready electricity network.”

Tony Boyle, chairman of Sigma Wireless, added: “Sigma Wireless has a long history spanning back over 30 years working with ESB. We are delighted to be awarded this contract, partnering with Nokia, to be trusted to provide this state-of-the-art network which is a key enabler to help ESB to achieve its key strategic goals of decarbonisation and renewable energy.”

And Phil Siveter, UK and 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 and MPLS backhaul network for critical grid communications to support the modernisation and digitisation of the energy grid throughout the Republic of Ireland.”

ESB has been Ireland’s foremost energy company since it was established in 1927.