Vodafone has initiated a groundbreaking pilot project at the Temelín nuclear power plant, operated by ČEZ Group in southwest Czechia, by deploying a 5G mobile private network. This marks the first time such technology has been implemented at a European nuclear facility.

The pilot focuses on enhancing communication within the plant's outdoor areas and specific production units, aiming to replace traditional walkie-talkies with advanced 5G-enabled devices. This technological shift will support the use of augmented reality (AR) glasses, providing technicians with real-time data and visual assistance during their tasks.

The 5G network is also expected to significantly improve connectivity for workers in hard-to-reach areas of the plant, ensuring seamless communication and operational efficiency. According to Bohdan Zronek, Member of the Board of Directors and Director of the Nuclear Division at ČEZ, maintaining a separate and secure communication network within the plant is critical, given its status as a piece of vital infrastructure.

"We've ensured that this network remains entirely isolated from external systems, with robust alternatives in place to manage any potential outages. Our management system remains completely independent from the outside world," Zronek explained. "We are proud to be the first nuclear power plant in Europe to test a private 5G network, setting a new standard while others are still relying on 4G."

The pilot project’s findings will guide the deployment of similar private 5G networks at additional ČEZ sites. Violeta Luca, CEO of Vodafone Czechia, emphasized the importance of this technology in advancing the secure digitalization of critical infrastructure. "With this private 5G solution, all user data and infrastructure are securely managed within the plant's own systems," Luca stated.

Vodafone highlights that private 5G networks are gaining traction globally due to their high speed, low latency, and capacity to support emerging digital services such as AR and VR. Another notable deployment includes a project with Italian gas infrastructure company Snam, which aims to enhance 4G and 5G coverage and introduce advanced services like field sensors and AR solutions across 23 of its sites.