E.ON & Nokia Partner for Telecommunications Network Upgrade

E.ON, one of Europe’s largest energy companies, has entered a five-year strategic collaboration with Nokia to modernise its telecommunications infrastructure, crucial for distribution system operators (DSOs) across Germany.

The renewal marks the deployment of the country’s first high-efficiency telecommunications network tailored specifically to support energy distribution.

By design, the project reduces energy consumption by up to 50% compared to E.ON’s existing IP and optical infrastructure while improving the network’s scalability, responsiveness and service continuity.

E.ON’s telecommunications network and energy transition

E.ON plays a key role in Germany’s energy transition, operating a distribution grid that connects 1.4 million renewable energy plants.

It recognises the importance of its communication infrastructure’s performance, flexibility and sustainability in supporting grid operations.

Lars Ramelow, Head of Supply Chain for Grid Communication Infrastructure at E.ON Group, highlights the strategic importance of the project.

“Modernising our network and harmonising our technical infrastructure is a crucial move to ensure E.ON Group continues to deliver secure, reliable and energy-efficient services across Europe,” he says.

“We’re investing in a next-generation telecommunications network that is ready for future demands; operationally, technologically and environmentally.

“Nokia is a trusted long-term supplier and its ability to support our network makes it the right choice as we scale our digital transformation.”

The collaboration sets a foundation for E.ON’s broader sustainability aims, including quantum-safe network development.

Nokia’s integrated network solutions and automation

Nokia’s role in the partnership involves delivering a full suite of networking solutions spanning IP routing and switching, optical transport and fixed broadband access based on XGS-PON technology.

The next-generation fixed access fibre solution offers flexibility for upgrades to 25G PON and beyond, positioning E.ON’s network for future evolution without extensive infrastructure overhaul.

Eleftherios Papadopoulos, Managing Director for Nokia Germany, says: “Our long-standing collaboration with E.ON reflects our mutual commitment to building secure, efficient and future-ready networks.

"The partnership stands out because of our ability to deliver across all key network domains as a single vendor.

"With our experience in mission-critical telecommunications, we are perfectly positioned to help E.ON digitise its grid infrastructure and support the broader European energy transition.”

Nokia’s delivery model includes network automation solutions designed to enhance operational flexibility and responsiveness.

Automation will improve the real-time management of the distribution grid’s communications, enabling E.ON to respond faster to service incidents or grid fluctuations.

Security, resilience and KRITIS compliance

By design, the infrastructure upgrade enhances both security and resilience, meeting Germany’s KRITIS (critical infrastructure) standards.

Compliance ensures that E.ON’s network is robust against cybersecurity threats and can recover rapidly from disruptions.

The improved resilience is crucial given the operational demands of managing a grid heavily reliant on renewable energy sources, which require stable, secure communication links to maintain balance and efficiency.

With the new network powered by advanced chipsets and integrated across optical, IP and fibre domains, E.ON will experience improved service continuity.

The system enables faster responses to network irregularities without disrupting grid operations, supporting both daily operations and long-term strategic objectives.

Nokia’s comprehensive approach sets the stage for future technology integration, including support for quantum-safe cryptographic technologies, which are expected to become essential in protecting critical infrastructure networks against evolving threats.

The strategic collaboration between E.ON and Nokia represents a significant step in modernising telecommunications networks that support essential energy infrastructure in Germany and, potentially, across Europe.

Eleftherios concludes: “What sets this project apart is the ability to deliver across all key domains as a single vendor.

"That end-to-end capability, combined with high-quality platforms and proven experience in mission-critical environments and telecommunications, perfectly positions us to enable E.ON to digitise its grids in Germany.”