Energy-6G Convergence: a Perspective

Zusammenfassung

The energy sector is undergoing a profound transformation driven by decarbonization, electrification, decentralization, and digitalization. In parallel, 6G is emerging as the next-generation communication paradigm, envisioned not merely as a faster network, but as an intelligent, sustainable, and human-centric digital infrastructure. This white paper examines the convergence of these two transitions and argues that 6G can become a foundational enabler of future energy systems only if its capabilities are aligned with the safety-critical, long-lived, and sustainability-driven nature of energy infrastructures. In this paper, the following aspects are covered: Introduction: Introduces 6G’s evolutionary and revolutionary features, emphasising its importance for the energy sector. Relevant 6G Features in Energy Systems: Details critical 6G capabilities like heterogeneous networks from edge to cloud, ultra-low latency, AI-driven automation, real-time control, and secure infrastructure all vital for energy systems, and their role in future energy systems and assets. Application Areas: Discusses practical applications of 6G in applications such as smart grids, smart buildings, and industrial energy management. KPIs and Requirements: Summarize quantitative Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and, increasingly, Key Value Indicators (KVIs) that capture not only technical performance but also sustainability and resilience ones. Challenges and Future Perspectives: Examines issues related to energy efficiency, sustainability, cybersecurity, deployment feasibility, and the technical complexities of converging 6G with energy systems. Conclusions and Road Ahead: Summarises key insights and outlines future steps for leveraging 6G in transforming the energy landscape. A central conclusion of this paper is that observability, security, and sustainability are pre-requisites for trust. Without standardized energy and carbon metrics that link communication services to measurable energy-system outcomes, the contribution of 6G to the energy transition cannot be credibly assessed. Likewise, security-by-design and resilience-by-design are essential as connectivity becomes embedded in critical energy operations. Consequently, 6G must evolve in coexistence with legacy systems, through phased deployment and rigorous validation, rather than disruptive replacement. If energy and digital infrastructures evolve independently, Europe risks inefficiencies, fragility, and loss of technological sovereignty. Conversely, coordinated evolution positions Europe as a global leader in sustainable, trustworthy cyber-physical systems. Hence, debating and addressing the convergence of 6G and energy systems presents a strategic opportunity for Europe to strengthen leadership in sustainable digital infrastructure, critical energy resilience, and trustworthy AI-enabled automation if research, industry, policy, and standardization communities act in a coordinated manner.