As the mobile industry prepares to tackle the challenge of reaching net-zero carbon emissions, new technologies and innovations powered by 5G are making it easier than ever. Reducing emissions through the incorporation of artificial intelligence, robots, advanced cooling, and supply chain optimization can reduce carbon use.
Transforming a commercial or network environment into a green facility can be a difficult task for operators that have little experience in the use of emerging 5G technologies. Finding an experienced partner is the best way to reach low carbon status without wasting resources or time. With more than 300,000 green and intelligent sites globally, ZTE has comprehensive experience and knowledge in how to make commercial sites more efficient through the implementation of advanced 5G end-to-end solutions powered by innovative technology.
“We are providing green 5G network equipment and solutions and also, green cloud solutions. We understand nowadays that ZTE can not only provide network equipment but also IT infrastructure. Together we call this digital infrastructure,” said Jason Tu, Principal Scientist at ZTE.
The need for digital infrastructure to help enterprises from all industries reduce carbon emissions and become green companies has never been more evident.
Key Takeaways from the Mobile Net Zero State of the Industry on Climate Action Report
In 2019, the GSMA Board set a goal to transform the mobile industry to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. This advisory board helps businesses throughout the mobile industry, including cell phone makers and equipment providers, software companies, and internet providers, guiding how operations should work in the coming years for the greater good of the whole industry.
Of the three steps identified by the GSMA Board to help transform the industry to a net-zero one, the ICT Sector pathway is the most relevant to the mobile industry. Globally, the ICT sector is estimated to produce around 700 Mt of CO2 annually. This represents over 1% of emissions and around four percent of electricity use worldwide.
The greatest significance of mobile networks for energy saving globally is to help other industries achieve energy saving. Research shows the industry can enable carbon reductions in other sectors that are equivalent to approximately 4% of global emissions.
How do Energy Savings by Mobile Networks Translate to Energy Savings for Other Industries?
There are many ways the mobile network operator can save energy by adapting 5G technologies in the manufacturing sector and distribution channels, including:
- Reducing supply chain carbon emissions, thereby reducing the number of carbon emissions produced by associated industries. The mobile industry goes far beyond the companies that are well known to consumers to include behind-the-scenes providers.
- Using renewable energy to power networks, reducing coal emissions.
- Establishing networks that consume less power, putting less stress on the energy grid in emerging areas.
How ZTE Uses 5G and Related Digital Technologies to Help Other Industries Save Energy
ZTE provides an end-to-end green 5G solution in which the power consumed by the same traffic packet transmitted by the green 5G network is only one-tenth of the original 4G power consumption. As GSMA estimated, this green 5G network enables carbon reductions in other sectors that are 10 times larger, equivalent to approximately 4% of global emissions.
Drawing on three decades of experience in the ICT field, ZTE has applied advanced technologies, including AI algorithms, to implement green solutions that incorporate 5G in locations including China, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Europe. Some of these solutions include:
The “PowerPilot” Intelligent Radio Access Network (RAN)
PowerPilot is an innovative energy-saving solution that combines big data with artificial intelligence insights to evaluate service requirements and optimize network power consumption.
“In the middle of the night, seldom are people using the network. But normally, the network has to be full speed and power to provide full capabilities. By artificial intelligence, the system can predict the next traffic according to the history by big data. In this way, in the middle of the night, the system can be slowed down. When the morning comes, the system will speed up to the normal, maximum capabilities,” Tu said. Savings can exceed 20% a day regardless of whether the RAN is used on a 4G or 5G network, thanks to the accuracy of the predictive software. As of June 2021, the ZTE PowerPilot RAN solution has been deployed for large-scale commercial use in more than 30 networks around the world and is proven to work in a variety of environments.
Two-Phase Liquid Cooling Routers
“Liquid cooling is for this core equipment, for example, the core routers. Why introduce liquid cooling? Compared to air conditioning, it’s an increased savings,” Tu said.
When used in large-capacity core router equipment, two-phase liquid cooling can reduce heat dissipation to make the machine room more efficient. As a result, a single facility can save 97 tons of carbon emissions each year by adapting this cooling technology, an energy savings equal to planting 53 new trees.
ZTE’s Green Strategy
The company’s green strategy not only includes providing digital infrastructure and empowering green vertical industries, but it also includes green operations at ZTE’s buildings. By operating a cloud-based, remote office software named iCenter and utilizing solar power along with low power consumption environment, ZTE continues to strive for the ultimate goal of being a net-zero emissions facility.
To find out more about how ZTE is providing green solutions to operators and enterprises around the world, visit our website.