The technology industry has long sought to align itself with the green movement, despite its leaders often being criticized for vague slogans and unverifiable commitments. At the Mobile World Congress (MWC), some such slogans were certainly present. However, telecom operators, equipment manufacturers, and industry organization GSMA attempted to embellish some of the green statements made regarding 5G.
The next generation of mobile communication networks is booming globally, with progress on ultra-high-speed networks and a commitment to significant environmental benefits going hand in hand.
Researchers at the University of Sussex in the UK have studied the energy use impact of 5G and explained that while it is widely believed that 5G will become a green technology, there is no strong, open, and fully transparent evidence to support this claim.
This study reveals that existing academic and industry research on the energy use impact of 5G fails to comprehensively outline the overall energy use impact of 5G and neglects research on three important potential issues regarding the energy use impact on other ICT technologies:
1. Direct rebound effect related to changes in user behavior of 5G mobile devices
The widespread adoption of unlimited data subscriptions and the ease of access to advanced and data-intensive mobile services such as VR and more sophisticated mobile gaming by 5G users may lead to increased energy-intensive user usage, contributing to the continued growth in data traffic, but also offsetting the energy-saving potential of 5G's efficiency improvements.
2. Impact of implicit energy related to network infrastructure and user equipment
Achieving green goals is being pursued through the adoption of renewable energy and more efficient batteries, such as using artificial intelligence to shut down components during off-peak hours. A growing number of telecom companies are signing climate targets and pledging to power their networks with renewable energy. While some operators already power their networks with 100% renewable energy, a 2021 benchmark study by the GSMA showed that across 31 networks in 28 different countries, an average of 46% of energy consumption was powered by renewable energy, with significant differences between countries.
While powering mobile networks is a crucial operational energy source, the specific energy required to produce network infrastructure is equally important. Many studies focusing on the energy impact of 5G focus solely on operational energy, and the energy-saving potential claimed by strategies for the large-scale introduction of new infrastructure should be viewed with skepticism, as these assessments do not take into account the specific energy costs of that infrastructure.
3. A broader indirect energy use effect (empowering effect)
Accelerating digitalization and decarbonization across industries primarily involves connecting more services and activities online, thereby reducing energy consumption in transportation and other sectors. Some industry estimates suggest that 5G investments will save up to 10 times more energy per unit. However, one study indicates savings of only about 3 times, with the main contributions coming from flexible work, smart grids, and precision agriculture. It's important to note that the efficiency gains from 5G may lead to increased consumption of certain goods or services, or only partial replacement of older goods or services, and may not achieve the claimed ideals.
Even if 5G generates an enabling effect exceeding its own emissions, it doesn't necessarily mean that network operators can achieve a lower level of emissions reduction. Therefore, the enabling effect is difficult to estimate or measure and must be based on clear accounting mechanisms and principles to ensure consistency with carbon budgets and climate policy.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of the environmental impact of 5G development, future research must consider both specific energy costs and operational energy consumption, as well as indirect energy use effects such as rebound and enabling effects. Furthermore, while improving energy efficiency is certainly crucial, more attention should be paid to shaping less energy-intensive user behaviors and mobile services.
