How 5G will
supercharge
utilities and energy
Why should we How 5G will supercharge
care about 5G? utilities and energy
Use of 5G in the
utilities industry
can deliver a
1000x
5G will benefit our economy and society. 5G has the power to touch every aspect of increase in the
the energy and utilities sector. 5G-enabled number of devices
It will be better at doing the things that 4G does already, technology will impact everything from renewables on the network.1
but significantly, it will offer faster and more reliable mobile internet. and storage-powered grids, to multiple connected
It will also do things that 4G cannot. It has the potential to change the ways devices (known as the Internet of Things) helping
in which we learn, how we communicate and how we do our jobs through customers to monitor the energy usage of each device.
the simultaneous and seamless connection of our digital devices. • 5G-enabled connectivity can reduce waste and stabilise renewable
But because it is often described using technical jargon, energy supply.
many people are unaware of how 5G will enhance their life. 5G connections will enable monitoring of demand peaks to enhance
the generation and usage of renewable energy. This will in turn reduce
This pamphlet explains the benefits of 5G using examples and language wastage and make cost savings that can be passed to consumers. This
that anyone can understand. It is one of many that look at the impact of 5G. monitoring of energy use and resource can also allow larger cities to plan
The topics included in these pamphlets are: their use of energy effectively, planning spend and making efficiencies.
• How 5G will help healthcare • 5G infrastructures will reduce maintenance costs and downtime for
utilities and energy.
• How 5G will increase rural opportunities
Through the Internet of Things 5G can improve data flow relating to
• How 5G will support the emergency services in order to predict and analyse possible faults quickly, reduce outage
• How 5G will help councils and downtime for customers, and provide service and maintenance
efficiencies. Research shows this could reduce downtime by 32% and
• How 5G will change sport
maintenance sessions by 25%.2
• How 5G will help the environment
5G networks are gradually being rolled out across the UK. When you will
• How 5G will advance the manufacturing industry have access to 5G connectivity will depend on where you live, your network
• How 5G will improve the creative industries provider and whether you have 5G-enabled devices.
• How 5G can meet the climate change challenge
• How 5G will improve the home and the workplace
If you have further questions
• How 5G will revolutionise the retail industry
about 5G, some of the most
1 The Future of Utilities: Powered by
• How 5G will change the way we drive common questions have been
Connectivity | deloitte.com
2 Getting the energy utilities industry answered on the final page.
• How 5G will supercharge utilities and energy connected | Ericsson
2 HOW 5G WILL SUPERCHARGE UTILITIES AND ENERGY | AUGUST 2021 HOW 5G WILL SUPERCHARGE UTILITIES AND ENERGY | AUGUST 2021 3
How 5G is energising the utilities and power industries
Nokia provides 5G-powered monitoring 5G and smart grids in Sweden.
at Belgian windfarm. Research in Sweden has shown that smart grids
The use of 5G connected devices (Internet of – which monitor energy requirements and usage
Things), at the Port of Zeebrugge, Belgium, is via connected smart devices – provide the key
enabling the development and monitoring of to helping Sweden transition to more renewable
windfarms. Smart devices throughout the port energy sources. This move to renewable sources
will empower self-driving vehicles, drones and requires power grids to handle more generators
augmented reality; which creates digital images and variations in power supply due to dependence
in the physical world. This will help develop and on weather conditions. These smart grids, enabled
maintain the largest on-shore industrial windfarm at the port. The windfarm by connected sensors and smart meters, can predict energy usage
can power the port, moored ships and the surrounding community with spikes, maintenance requirements and balance the power levels
the equivalent energy to power 30,000 homes. This means sustainable generated across multiple sources thus increasing reliability and
sources of renewable energy can be created, and real time monitoring and minimising waste. Investments of EUR 1.5 billion per year in 5G
adjustments ensure consistency and reliability of the power produced.3 enabled information communications technology are expected for
the Swedish market, and this technology is expected to reduce the
duration of interruptions by 50%-75%.5
Ericsson and Northumbrian Water trial
5G-enabled water leak detection. 5G technology to combat wastage and
Northumbrian Water is using 5G technology to leaks at Centrica natural gas plant.
increase reliability and effectiveness of the water Vodafone’s 5G enabled technology connects
network. A 5G digital map of the underground water multiple smart devices that provide data from
network, allows engineers to manage hazards and the Centrica’s gas plant in Easington, County
risks detected across the water network – which in Durham; which processes gas from an underground
total features 47,210km of water mains, pipes and facility representing 70% of the UK’s gas supply -
aqueducts - in real time. Secondly, a 5G network enabling detection and alerts to staff of any leaks
allows engineers to upload and access centralised data without needing to or equipment failures. This added functionality
use Wi-Fi or a cable connection. A 5G app allows consumers to monitor their safeguards staff and protects against disruption to
own home’s water supply and flow, identifying any unusual patterns helping service and wastage of this precious natural resource.
to flag potential issues ahead of time.4
3 Nokia completes phase one of Belgian Port of Zeebrugge digitalization with 5G-ready private
wireless network | Nokia.com
4 Ericsson, O2 and Northumbrian Water trial 5G utility benefits | Ericsson 5 The shift to renewables with connected power distribution grids | Ericsson
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The statistics
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I get access to 5G?
Use of 5G in the utilities industry can deliver a 1000x Firstly, you need a 5G signal in your area (just as you need a 4G
increase in the number of devices on the network. Utility signal to get 4G now). Secondly, you need a device that can
and power companies can increase the scale of their receive 5G signal - some 5G-enabled smartphones are available
machine-to-machine communication and Internet of Things now, with more coming onto the market.
deployments to improve operational effectiveness, reduce
waste and transition into renewable energy more quickly.6
2. Does 5G pose a danger to your health?
5G uses radio waves - as does 4G, 3G etc. - which have
been found safe in numerous studies when used within
The use of 5G smart meters and grids mean networks guidelines. Public health organisations around the world
can use and distribute energy more efficiently. These support this conclusion.
efficiencies will equate to $208 billion to global GDP
(gross domestic product) by 2030.7
3. Does 5G mean more masts and antennae?
Some new infrastructure will be needed to connect more
remote communities to the 5G network. But existing masts will
be adapted for 5G wherever possible. If new sites are needed,
5G enabled enhancements in water network
relevant planning rules will apply to them being built.
monitoring can reduce leaks and wastage, with
a potential global GDP (gross domestic product)
impact of $39bn by 2030.8 4. Is 5G bad for wildlife?
No. Despite many false claims, wildlife has not been found to be
negatively affected by 5G.
56% of energy and utility companies are defining use 5. Will 5G offer an alternative to broadband?
cases for 5G and 20% are defining how they will use 5G
4G and 5G can both provide mobile home broadband
to deliver services.9
connections. However, while 5G will offer potentially near gigabit
capable speeds in the future, currently UK 5G mobile networks
don’t provide the same capacity or offer speeds as fast as ‘full
fibre’ for home broadband.
6 The Future of Utilities: Powered by Connectivity | deloitte.com
7 Forecasted 5G applications contribution to productivity in smart utilities management by 2030,
Source: Mobile UK - www.mobileuk.org
by use case | statista.com
8 The global economic impact of 5G | pwc.com
9 State of 5G – The Road Ahead | infosys.com
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#
5G
CHECK
THE
FACTS
mobileuk.org
