E.ON SE has selected Nokia to modernize its mission-critical communications network under a new five-year strategic collaboration focused on energy efficiency, grid resilience, and digital transformation. The initiative begins in Germany—E.ON’s largest market—and will create a next-generation telecommunications network designed to cut energy consumption by up to 50% while improving operational flexibility and security for the nation’s distribution system operators (DSOs).
Nokia will deliver a complete suite of solutions spanning optical, IP, and fiber domains, including IP routing, optical transport, and fixed broadband access based on XGS-PON, with an upgrade path to 25G PON. The new infrastructure will help E.ON strengthen its ability to support 1.4 million renewable energy plants already connected to its grid, while enhancing resilience in line with KRITIS (critical infrastructure) security requirements. The collaboration also lays the foundation for quantum-safe communications across E.ON’s European footprint.
By harmonizing its network architecture and deploying Nokia’s energy-efficient silicon and automation technologies, E.ON aims to accelerate its telecommunications service capabilities and reduce response times for incidents. The project could serve as a model for other E.ON affiliates across Europe as they pursue energy transition goals.
• The partnership covers IP routing and switching, optical transport, and fixed broadband (XGS-PON).
• E.ON expects up to 50% energy savings versus legacy IP/optical infrastructure.
• The renewed network will boost resilience and security under KRITIS requirements.
• Nokia’s solution provides a path to quantum-safe and 25G PON-ready networks.
• The contract supports E.ON’s broader European energy transition strategy.
“Modernizing our network and harmonizing our technical infrastructure is a crucial move to ensure E.ON Group continues to deliver secure, reliable and energy-efficient services across Europe. 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,” said Lars Ramelow, Head of Supply Chain, Grid Communication Infrastructure, E.ON Group.
🌐 Analysis: Nokia continues to deepen its presence in the energy and utilities sector, where secure, low-latency, and energy-efficient communications are critical for smart grid operations. The deal follows similar modernization efforts by utilities across Europe and aligns with Nokia’s push into quantum-safe and mission-critical IP-optical networking. It also underscores the company’s expanding role as a full-stack provider for critical infrastructure modernization in parallel with ongoing public and private 5G deployments.
E.ON SE, headquartered in Essen, Germany, is one of Europe’s largest investor-owned energy companies, focusing on the transition to sustainable, digital, and decentralized energy systems. The company’s mission centers on delivering reliable, carbon-neutral energy solutions while modernizing Europe’s power distribution infrastructure. E.ON operates extensive electricity and gas networks across multiple European markets and provides customer solutions for energy efficiency, distributed generation, and e-mobility. Led by Chief Executive Officer Leonhard Birnbaum, E.ON emerged in its current form after the 2016 spin-off of Uniper, allowing it to focus fully on regulated energy networks and customer-centric energy services. The company has been advancing smart grid initiatives, renewable integration, and digital grid management through partnerships with leading technology firms such as Microsoft, AWS, and Nokia. Recent milestones include large-scale grid modernization projects in Germany and Central Europe, investments in AI-driven network automation, and progress toward E.ON’s 2040 climate neutrality target.
