Telecom-to-Grid: Supercharging 6G’s Contribution for Reliable Net-Zero

The future of 6G communications envisions a revolutionary framework where mobile base stations (BSs) extend beyond traditional connectivity by supporting innovative applications and opening opportunities for smart and reliable energy management solutions. Equipped with backup batteries and energy-efficient designs, these BSs can store and manage surplus energy, providing uninterrupted service to the power system during high-demand periods. Considering the dispatchable capacity of backup batteries of BSs, this article discusses the evolving frameworks of telecom-to-grid (T2G) and telecom-to-vehicle (T2V) energy exchange. The concept is further illustrated with a use case where bidirectional energy transfer between electric vehicles (EVs) and BSs takes place to ensure reliable energy supply in a disaster-affected area. The article concludes with a discussion of associated research challenges and opportunities pertaining to the proposed framework.