5G for augmented reality at Czech nuclear plant

A 5G mobile private network deployment by Vodafone is being piloted at ČEZ Group’s Temelín nuclear power plant in southwest Czechia.

The network deployment, stated by Vodafone to be a European first, is being piloted in the nuclear power plant’s outdoor space as well as in selected areas of a production unit.

Its stated intention is to enable a transition away from walkie-talkie communications in the plant and pave the way for augmented reality glasses to support the work of technicians.

It also should improve connectivity for workers in hard-to-reach areas of the site.

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“A selected part of the nuclear power plant's communication network, as an element of critical infrastructure, must be completely separated from the external network,” comments Bohdan Zronek, Member of the Board of Directors and Director of the Nuclear Division of ČEZ.

“That is why we always maintain an alternative in the event of an outage, and the management system of course remains completely separate from the outside world. We are the first nuclear power plant in Europe to actually test a private 5G network, while other European operators work mostly with 4G.”

The results of the pilot project, and subsequent evaluation conducted by ČEZ, will inform the deployments of similar private 5G networks at further sites.

Violeta Luca, CEO of Vodafone Czechia, adds that with the private 5G solution all user data and infrastructure can be securely managed within the power plant's own systems.

“This technology is a key enabler in advancing the secure digitalisation of such critical infrastructure.”

Vodafone reports that 5G mobile private networks are gaining momentum, with their high speed and low latency and ability to support new digital services such as AR and VR.

Another recent deployment is with Italian gas infrastructure company Snam to bring more reliable and secure connectivity to 23 of its plants.

The hybrid infrastructure is intended to improve 4G and 5G coverage both for the local population via the public network and for Snam personnel inside the plants and to enable connectivity of large number of devices and the introduction of new services and solutions.

Over time these are expected to include field sensors such as leak detectors and meters, anti-intrusion security sensors and perimeter verification, applications for logistics and vehicle management, and AR and VR solutions for technician training and remote assistance.