Seven research projects under the 5G6G Evolution stream are advancing toward 6G through complementary work on energy-efficient radio networks, adaptive Open RAN, and integrated 5G-Non-Terrestrial Networks. Key initiatives include 5G-STARDUST, which develops a self-adapting autonomous satellite-terrestrial system, and 6Green, which aims to reduce the carbon footprint of the 5/6G value chain by a factor of ten using AI-driven green policies. Other projects focus on automated multi-domain orchestration via the ACROSS platform, power-aware radio metrics in BeGREEN, and secure intelligent architectures leveraging blockchain and AI in NANCY. Additionally, SEASON is designing sustainable transport networks using multi-band and space division multiplexing, while VERGE delivers a converged edge platform for distributed AI with enhanced security and privacy. Collectively, these efforts target TRL 5 demonstrations and aim to influence 3GPP Release 19 and beyond to support ubiquitous, sustainable, and intelligent connectivity.
Keywords: non-terrestrial networks, green AI, zero-touch orchestration, sustainable infrastructure, edge intelligence