Greek transmission operator modernises grid communications with Nokia

In Greece, the Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO) has partnered with OTE Group and Nokia to modernise its telecommunications infrastructure for smart grid operations.

The €16 million ($18.9 million) project will be deployed over a period of six years as part of efforts by IPTO’s infrastructure modernisation and digitalisation campaigns. OTE Group will work as a contractor whilst Nokia will procure equipment and services required for the project.

IPTO will use Nokia’s IP/MPLS technology to meet its operational energy management needs and to ensure a resilient communications network for the connectivity of distributed intelligent devices and assets.

Konstantinos Koroneos, General Manager of Nokia Greece, said: “This is the first project of such a scale on a critical infrastructure network in Greece.”

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Advantages for the electricity system will include:

• Modernisation of the backbone network supporting critical operating infrastructure and services of the electricity network
• Guaranteed availability of these services
• Maximisation of network efficiency and bandwidth  
• Network security for multiple protection of electricity infrastructure
• Network operated by IPTO’s specialised Network Operation Centre (NOC) upon implementation of the project
• Digital transition with Internet of Things activation and gradual transition to Smart Grid

Iason Rousopoulos, the deputy CFO at IPTO, added that the project is his firm’s strategy “to transform into a technology company that capitalises on its infrastructure and know-how. OTE and Nokia are among the most established players in their sector and we are particularly pleased with the alliance we forged in order for our project to be carried out with technical integrity and punctuality.”

Lykourgos Antonopoulos, ICT Director of OTE Group, reiterates: “Technology offers opportunities today that we weren’t able to even imagine until recently. When it comes to large enterprises that manage infrastructure, like IPTO, it can play a vital role in real-time network monitoring and management, adding flexibility, security, and quality of service. Solutions in particular that use the technological capabilities of the Internet of Things can transform energy networks into a smart grid.”