5G will lead to energy savings or consume more energy

fails to provide a comprehensive overview of the overall energy use impacts of 5G and neglects to examine three important questions about the potential energy use impacts of other information and communication technologies (ICT) The technology industry has long tried to align itself with the green movement, even though its leaders have often been accused of making vague slogans and untested promises. At the Mobile World Congress (MWC), some of these slogans will certainly be seen. But carriers, communications equipment vendors and industry group GSMA are trying to embellish some green statements about 5G. The next generation of mobile networks is flourishing globally, with promises of superfast network advances and huge environmental benefits going hand in hand. Researchers at the University of Sussex (UK) have studied the energy use impacts of 5G and show that the current widespread belief that 5G will be a green technology is not supported by a strong, open and fully transparent evidence base. The study shows that existing academic and industry research on the energy use impacts of 5G fails to provide a comprehensive overview of the overall energy use impacts of 5G and neglects to examine three important questions about the potential energy use impacts of other information and communication technologies (ICT): 1. 1. the direct rebound effect associated with changes in user behavior of 5G mobile devices The widespread adoption of unlimited data subscriptions by 5G users and the facilitation of advanced and data-intensive mobile services such as VR and more sophisticated mobile device gaming may generate more energy-intensive user usage, contributing to the continued growth of data traffic, but also offsetting the energy-saving potential of 5G efficiency gains. 2. Implicit energy impacts associated with network infrastructure and user equipment A way to achieve green goals through the adoption of renewable, more efficient batteries, such as using artificial intelligence to turn off components during off-peak periods. Increasingly, telecommunications companies are signing up to climate targets and committing to using renewable energy to power their networks. While some operators are already using 100% renewable energy to power their networks, a GSMA 2021 benchmarking study showed that across 31 networks in 28 different countries, an average of 46% of energy consumption was provided by renewable energy, with significant differences between countries. Powering mobile networks is an important source of operational energy, but it is also important to produce the specific energy needed for network infrastructure. Many studies focusing on the impact of 5G energy use focus only on operational energy and must remain skeptical of the claimed energy savings potential of large-scale introduction of new infrastructure strategies, as these assessments do not take into account the specific energy costs of that infrastructure. 3. broader indirect energy use effects (enabling energy applications) The main idea behind accelerated cross-industry digitization and decarbonization is to connect more services and activities online, thereby reducing energy consumption in transportation and other industries. Some industry estimates suggest that 5G investments will save 10 times more energy per unit. One study suggests that the savings will be nearly three times greater, with major contributions coming from flexible working, smart grids and precision farming. However, it is important to note that the efficiency gains from 5G may lead to more consumption of specific goods or services, or may only partially replace old goods or services, and may not achieve the desired ideals claimed. Even if 5G generates more energy efficiency than its own emissions, it does not necessarily mean that network operators will be allowed to achieve a lower level of emissions reduction. Therefore, energy efficiency 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. In order to have a comprehensive understanding of the environmental impacts of 5G development, future studies should consider both specific energy costs and operational energy, and include indirect energy use effects, such as rebound effects and energy efficiency applications. In addition, while improving energy efficiency is certainly important, more thought should be given to how to shape less energy-intensive user behavior and mobile services.