6G-VERSUS Finnish pilot begins year-long testing of an energy self-sustainable mobile base station
Reliable mobile coverage is vital for people living, working and travelling in remote areas. However, providing connectivity where grid electricity is unavailable presents challenges for both energy supply and network operation. The Finnish pilot explores how local renewable energy generation, intelligent energy management and complementary storage and backup solutions can support an energy self-sustainable mobile base station. 6G-VERSUS is coordinated by the University of Oulu and the Finnish pilot is one of six pilot deployments being carried out across Europe within the 6G-VERSUS project.
The Finnish use case focuses on a remote base station operating in Arctic conditions. The pilot combines renewable energy sources, wireless connectivity and AI to optimise energy production, storage and consumption. AI-enhanced control systemwill use weather forecasts, traffic estimates and machine learning tools to balance energy availability with communication needs, helping to ensure reliable connectivity even in challenging environmental conditions.
“Future mobile networks must be able to operate sustainably even in locations where traditional infrastructure is limited or unavailable,” says Dr Sanna Tuomela, Coordinator of the 6G-VERSUS project at the University of Oulu. “This pilot allows us to study how renewable energy, energy storage and intelligent network management can work together to provide reliable connectivity while reducing dependence on external energy sources.”
The pilot setup uses solar panels and wind generation to supply electricity for daily operation. A stationary battery stores electricity and helps manage short-term fluctuations in generation and consumption. A hydrogen fuel cell provides an additional source of power during periods when renewable generation and battery storage are insufficient.
Starting in October, the year-long test period will enable researchers to examine the system across changing seasons and operating conditions. The Arctic environment provides a unique testbed, where long winter periods with very limited sunlight, variable weather conditions and a remote locations place significant demands on both energy systems and communications infrastructure.
Testing will assess the balance between energy availability, base-station consumption and continuity of communications, providing evidence on both the opportunities and limitations of operating mobile infrastructure independently of the electricity grid.
The pilot also examines the relationship between communications infrastructure and energy infrastructure. In addition to renewable energy technologies, researchers are developing AI-based solutions that can predict energy production and network traffic, enabling networks to adapt their operation according to available energy resources.
“The transition to more sustainable and resilient communications networks requires new ways of thinking about both energy and connectivity,” says Tuomela. “The knowledge gained from this pilot will help us understand how future 6G networks can maintain essential services while making better use of locally available renewable energy.”
Sustainability assessment is a central part of the Finnish pilot. Alongside technical performance, the work considers environmental, social and economic value. Stakeholder input will help assess potential benefits, including improved connectivity in underserved areas, increased resilience and support for digital inclusion in remote regions. Researchers will also evaluate the trade-offs associated with renewable energy technologies, storage solutions and supporting infrastructure.
The Finnish pilot aims to contribute to the development of future energy-aware mobile networks that can support reliable communications while reducing environmental impact. The results will help inform the design of next-generation communications infrastructure for remote, off-grid and resilience-critical environments across Europe.
About 6G-VERSUS
6G-VERSUS is a European research and innovation project exploring how advanced communications technologies can contribute to environmental, social and economic sustainability. The project includes six pilots across Europe that demonstrate sustainability-focused use cases in sectors such as renewable energy systems, agriculture, water management, and public protection and disaster relief. The project is coordinated by the University of Oulu.
Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdcTi6aCV6U
More about the Finnish pilot: 6g-versus.eu/finland