In its first edition of its Breaking the Energy Curve 2020 report, Ericsson estimated the annual global cost of energy to power mobile networks at approximately $25 billion. This number is now expected to rise dramatically against the backdrop of the current global economic challenges, such as the energy crisis and high inflation rates.
These developments highlight the need for telecom service providers to be more efficient and sustainable in operating their networks. Ericsson's updated 'On the Road to Breaking the Energy Curve' report aims to provide the necessary support to enable telecom service providers to achieve this.
Commenting on the report, Fredrik Yiddling, Executive Vice President and Head of Networks at Ericsson, said: “As 5G rolls out around the world, the benefits of these advanced, greener systems are becoming more apparent. However, it is worth noting here that the significant energy savings that these networks achieve can be further enhanced by implementing additional measures. Of course, we cannot continue to work as we used to before, as we should benefit from a larger network update instead of implementing partial updates here and there. We must take advantage of the latest technological advances to enable energy-saving functions, and adopt the best ways to use our energy resources. To do this we have to think differently.”
5G systems have been deployed in more than 200 networks worldwide since the previous edition of this report. The updated report identifies three steps to scaling up the 5G network, while ensuring sustainability and reducing overall network energy consumption by adopting a different approach than the traditional industry approach. These steps are:
- Planning differently: Focusing on the sustainable development of the network, and adopting a comprehensive view of the company's objectives and the reality of the network, allowing the network to be planned and operated in a way that supports business ambitions and sustainability.
- Deploy differently: Effective modernization of the existing network is essential when scaling up the 5G network; This is to reduce the total power consumption of the mobile network.
- Work differently: Exploit AI, machine learning, and automation technology to boost traffic performance for devices being deployed with less energy use.
Since most of the energy consumption of radio access network products and solutions takes place through the mobile network, Ericsson's report highlights the need for telecom service providers to constantly prioritize the energy consumption of this network; By adopting new generations of energy-saving products. This is the best way to adjust power usage levels, while still providing an excellent user experience.
The report also recommends adopting a comprehensive approach to network development, expansion and operation, to break the upward trajectory of its energy consumption. This approach will also help address the challenge of the exponential growth of data traffic.
The report provides guidance on ways in which telecom service providers can become more energy efficient, cost-effective and sustainable while expanding the coverage and benefits of 5G, supporting it with new and evolving use cases, and thus helping providers achieve the ultimate goal in terms of Break the energy curve, which is to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
To download the full report, please click here
About Net Zero Emissions: The ICT industry plays an important role in supporting the necessary and accelerated climate action that many investors and regulators are demanding today, and which has the potential to reduce total global industrial emissions by up to 15%. The fulfillment of these demands is supported by intensified pressures from consumers, customers and the entire supply chain. To meet these demands and align with ambitions to reach the 1.5°C threshold set by the Paris Climate Agreement, companies must adopt an approach that spans the entire value chain; To set climate goals according to a net-zero timeline, with a commitment to halve total emissions by 2030, and reach net-zero status by 2050. To achieve this goal, it is important to reduce energy consumption and break the curve.
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