KRISNet – Crisis-Resilient Communication Networks for Critical Infrastructures

01.01.2026

Project Overview

Reliable energy supply depends on stable communication networks. At the same time, growing decentralisation of energy generation, increasing integration of renewable sources and stronger sector coupling significantly raise system complexity. In crisis situations—such as extreme weather events, cyber attacks or technical failures—the loss of communication capabilities can severely impair grid stability and recovery.

The KRISNet research project addresses this challenge by developing a highly resilient and sovereign communication infrastructure for digitalised power grids and other critical infrastructures.

Objectives and Scope

• Development of a sovereign satellite network in low Earth orbit (LEO) to safeguard critical communications
• Initial validation through a demonstration satellite mission
• Integration of terrestrial communication networks (fibre and mobile networks) with satellite systems
• Automatic real-time switching between available networks during disruptions
• Design of a secure communication unit enabling reliable data transmission
• Investigation of on-board data processing in space to reduce latency
• Validation under realistic stress and fault scenarios together with grid operators

Consortium

KRISNet is coordinated by Siemens AG as consortium lead. The interdisciplinary consortium includes ten partners from industry and research, such as:

• University of Passau – Energy Informatics
• esc Aerospace GmbH – Secure Communications
• Infineon Technologies AG – Hardware Security Anchors
• Giesecke+Devrient Mobile Security Germany GmbH – Security Technologies
• Zentrum für Telematik Würzburg – Small Satellites
• Würzburg-Schweinfurt University of Applied Sciences – Smart Grids

Associated industry partners include Amprion GmbH, ÜZ Mainfranken eG and Nokia Solutions and Networks.

Funding

KRISNet has a total project volume of approximately €8 million and is funded with €5.9 million by the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) within the German government’s Security Research Programme (SIFO).

Outlook

KRISNet establishes a key foundation for a crisis-resilient, sovereign and future-proof energy system in Germany and Europe. By combining terrestrial and satellite-based communication, the project significantly strengthens the resilience of critical infrastructures under extreme conditions.