Energy-efficient features built into 5G networks could reduce indirect carbon emissions in the UK by around 25 million tonnes of CO2, a new study by the University of Surrey has found.
The study, which was published in Resources, Conservation and Recycling, examined the environmental impact of 5G-related features such as AI systems that let mobile mast and antenna base stations that enter ‘sleep mode’ when usage is low, and phones that avoid unnecessary background network checks.
Supply chain reduction
“Smarter base stations and devices don’t just cut electricity use in telecoms – they reduce indirect emissions in the whole supply chain,” commented Dr Lirong Liu, associate professor in Environment and Sustainability.
“The modelling framework allowed us to quantify effects that are usually hidden, especially the indirect emissions linked to electricity use and wider supply chains. It also gave us a clear way to compare different 5G features side by side and identify which combinations deliver the strongest environmental benefits.”
The researchers, working in collaboration with professor Ming Xu from Tsinghua University, explored ten emerging technologies as part of their research, as well as establishing an environmentally extended input–output (EEIO) model tailored specifically to the ICT sector. This model enabled them to trace how cutting the energy impact of 5G networks could affect 33 industries across the UK economy.
‘System-level view’
“Many of these energy-efficient features are already on the engineering roadmap,” added professor Pei Xiao, professor of Wireless Communications. “What this study provides is a clear system-level view of where the biggest carbon wins lie – and why regulators, operators and industry should prioritise them as part of the UK’s net zero transition.”
The researchers noted that in order to unlock these benefits, 5G policy needs to move beyond coverage and speed targets, and focus more on establishing energy-efficient architectures. This could include the incorporation of energy performance targets into spectrum licensing, encouraging low-power network design and aligning 5G research priorities with broader national net zero goals. Read more here.
