Fast Rollout of 5G Could Reduce Global Emissions By Half A Billion Tonnes
A fast rollout of 5G technology could reduce global carbon emissions by half a billion tonnes, according to new research.
A report published this week by 5G leader Huawei and consulting firm STL Partners demonstrates the benefits to the environment of 5G, through reduced energy use in the core and mobile access networks.
As a consequence, a fast rollout could reduce emissions by half a billion tonnes by 2030, the equivalent of the annual emissions from international aviation for a full year.
In the UK alone, carbon emissions from mobile networks could be cut in half from 73 million tonnes over the next 10 years to 34 million.
The research, commissioned by 5G leaders Huawei, challenges telco operators, government regulators and other suppliers to press ahead with rolling out the network.
The report concludes:
“Rolling out 5G networks can be a key component of operators’ and national authorities’ ambitions to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases from the operation of mobile networks. As we have seen, rolling out 5G networks quickly (rather than slowly) could save the world over 0.5 bn tonnes of CO2 cumulatively between 2020 and 2030 – more than one year of greenhouse gas emissions from all maritime shipping or all aviation globally.”
New 5G mobile technologies are set to create an extra $1.4 trillion in gross domestic product (GDP) for worldwide economies over the next decade. Healthcare, manufacturing and retail are three industry sectors set to benefit the most from new technologies
Victor Zhang, Senior Vice President at Huawei, said: “We know there is a global debate happening right now about how we protect our planet and this technology represents a serious opportunity to make an impact on global emissions.
“But if we are to maximise this chance, we have to act quickly. That means the industry working with government and regulators to push ahead with the rollout of 5G for the benefit of our economy and our environment.
“5G represents a $1.4trillion boom to GDP while reducing the world’s energy consumption – it’s the very essence of a win-win. Let’s make it happen.”
For the full report, please contact STL Partners on +0207 247 5003 or email: contact@stlpartners.com