Nokia has been chosen by the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) to head up the SUSTAIN-6G project, a major European initiative aimed at embedding sustainability into the development of 6G technology.
Funded by the European Commission, this project underscores Nokia’s commitment to leveraging next-generation telecommunications to address pressing global challenges.
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SUSTAIN-6G: Advancing 6G for Global Challenges
SUSTAIN-6G is designed to explore how 6G can support environmental, economic, and societal sustainability. The project aligns closely with the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aims to demonstrate how 6G technology can contribute to a sustainable future. The consortium, led by Nokia, will develop innovative solutions across critical sectors.
One key focus area is the energy sector, where the project will investigate the creation of intelligent microgrids that can more effectively manage electricity demand. By leveraging AI for real-time control, these grids aim to optimize energy use, enhance efficiency, and integrate renewable sources, making power distribution more resilient.
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Transforming Healthcare and Agriculture with 6G Innovation
In healthcare, SUSTAIN-6G will explore how 6G can revolutionize digital health services, particularly in remote and underserved areas. The infrastructure will facilitate the secure transmission and analysis of medical data, enabling remote diagnostics and improving access to care. AI-driven technologies could also play a pivotal role in the early detection of disease outbreaks, enhancing public health responses.
The project will also examine how 6G can enhance precision farming through high-bandwidth connectivity and edge-cloud capabilities. By integrating data from sensors, climate stations, and satellite imagery, farmers can optimize their operations, especially during critical periods like planting and harvesting, thus, boosting productivity and sustainability.
SUSTAIN-6G is one of SNS JU’s flagship projects, further cementing Nokia’s leadership in the field. This initiative follows the Hexa-X and Hexa-X-II projects, where Nokia laid the groundwork for 6G pre-standardization and explored potential use cases. The consortium comprises diverse stakeholders, including network equipment providers, telecom operators, research institutions, industrial manufacturers, and SMEs, ensuring a comprehensive approach to sustainable innovation.
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Set to begin in January 2025 and conclude in 2027, SUSTAIN-6G aims to set new benchmarks for the telecommunications industry in addressing global sustainability challenges.
Peter Merz, Vice President of Nokia Standards, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that every industry must contribute to combating climate change, as outlined in the UN Paris Agreement. SUSTAIN-6G, he noted, will demonstrate how the telecommunications sector can play a critical role in fostering environmental, societal, and economic sustainability through advanced networking technologies.
Nokia’s leadership in SUSTAIN-6G highlights its dedication to driving technological innovation and ensuring that such advancements contribute meaningfully to a sustainable and inclusive future.