Vodafone has implemented Europe’s first 5G mobile private network (MPN) at the Temelín Nuclear Power Plant in Czechia. This groundbreaking initiative, undertaken in collaboration with the energy company ČEZ Group, is part of a pilot project that currently covers outdoor areas and specific sections of the plant.
The new 5G MPN is set to replace traditional walkie-talkie systems, enabling advanced communication tools such as augmented reality glasses for plant technicians. This technology will facilitate improved safety and efficiency in day-to-day operations.
Violeta Luca, CEO of Vodafone Czechia, emphasized the security benefits of the private 5G network. “By being entirely independent from the public network, our private 5G solution ensures that all user data and infrastructure are securely managed within the power plant’s own systems, which is vital for maintaining the highest standards of safety and reliability,” Luca stated. She highlighted that this technology plays a crucial role in the secure digitalization of critical infrastructure.
Bohdan Zronek, a member of the ČEZ Board of Directors and Director of its Nuclear Division, pointed out that Temelín is the first nuclear power plant in Europe to experiment with a private 5G network. In contrast, most other European nuclear facilities still rely on 4G networks for their communication needs.
The Temelín project follows similar initiatives by Vodafone, such as the deployment of a 5G MPN at Škoda Auto’s production plant, which has significantly enhanced automated processes and machine communication. Vodafone has also rolled out private networks in Germany, Italy, and Ireland, signaling a broader push toward integrating 5G technology in various industries across Europe.
