SUSTAIN-6G

This use case describes resiliency requirements for the energy smart grid network as well as for enabling technologies like 6G. Resilient technologies can help the transition from traditional, fossil-fuel-based power grids to intelligent, renewable-powered distribution systems and strengthen the systems against unexpected events. The smart grid is recognised not only as a technological advancement but also as a strategic infrastructure essential to modern society.
As renewable energy sources, electric vehicle chargers, and energy communities become increasingly integrated, low-voltage (LV) grids must evolve from passive, over-provisioned systems into actively managed networks. These networks require real-time monitoring, control, and coordination to ensure stability, efficiency, and resilience.
Historically, electric grid resilience has depended on redundancy and conservative planning strategies, such as the N-1 contingency principle. While effective, this approach leads to significant unused capacity, an increasingly unsustainable model in the face of growing electrification and renewable integration.
To address these challenges, one promising approach is the introduction of grid monitoring units capable of collecting smart grid data, including precise measurements of grid health and associated high-resolution timestamps. High-resolution timestamps enable accurate correlations of data, which is the base of load balancing, and allows timely responses to (or even prediction of) grid anomalies. The distribution of such data needs an especially resilient communication technology.