Green Telecom Networks

"Energy Feature Stories"

07/06/2010

Fixed and Mobile Telecommunications Networks: Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Recycling and Reuse, and Carbon Emissions Reduction Opportunities


As an ever increasing number of people around the world become connected by fixed and mobile telecommunications networks, the challenges related to providing electricity to these expanding networks are becoming greater as well. Energy costs are among the largest operating expenses for network operators, and energy consumption from telecom networks is an increasing contributor to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Faced with these economic and environmental realities, network operators and their equipment vendors have embarked on a series of new initiatives to improve the energy efficiency of telecom networks and reduce their associated carbon emissions. These efforts include dramatic reductions in the electricity required to power network elements, the integration of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, more energy efficient practices for data center operations, and a greater focus on recycling and reuse of network equipment. Pike Research’s analysis indicates that these initiatives are likely to result in a significant reduction in energy-related operating expenses in addition to a dramatic decrease in GHG emissions related to telecom network operations.