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Telecommunications energy and greenhouse gas emissions management for future network growth

Author

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  • Chan, Chien Aun
  • Gygax, André F.
  • Leckie, Christopher
  • Wong, Elaine
  • Nirmalathas, Ampalavanapillai
  • Hinton, Kerry

Abstract

A key aspect of greener network deployment is how to achieve sustainable growth of a telecommunications network, both in terms of operational and embodied energy. Hence, in this paper we investigate how the overall energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of a fast growing telecommunications network can be minimized. Due to the complexities in modeling the embodied energy of networks, this aspect of energy consumption has received limited attention by network operators. Here, we present the first model to evaluate the interdependencies of the four main contributing factors in managing the sustainable growth of a telecommunications network: (i) the network’s operational energy consumption; (ii) the embodied energy of network equipment; (iii) network traffic growth; and (iv) the expected energy efficiency improvements in both the operational and embodied phases. Using Monte Carlo techniques with real network data, our results demonstrate that under the current trends in overall energy efficiency improvements the network embodied energy will account for over 40% of the total network energy in 2025 compared to 20% in 2015. Further, we find that the optimum equipment replacement cycle, which will result in the lowest total network life cycle energy, is directly dependent on the technological progress in energy efficiency improvements of both operational and embodied phases. Our model and analysis highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to better understand the interactions between network growth, technological progress, equipment replacement lifetime, energy consumption, and the resulting carbon footprint.

Suggested Citation

  • Chan, Chien Aun & Gygax, André F. & Leckie, Christopher & Wong, Elaine & Nirmalathas, Ampalavanapillai & Hinton, Kerry, 2016. "Telecommunications energy and greenhouse gas emissions management for future network growth," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 166(C), pages 174-185.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:166:y:2016:i:c:p:174-185
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2016.01.007
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Radonjič, Gregor & Tompa, Saša, 2018. "Carbon footprint calculation in telecommunications companies – The importance and relevance of scope 3 greenhouse gases emissions," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 98(C), pages 361-375.
    2. Kühn, Katharina Isabella, 2021. "Is Visiting the ESB Website Deteriorating the Air Quality of our Countries? A Statistical Analysis of the Relationship Between Air Pollution Levels and Information & Communication Technologies," Junior Management Science (JUMS), Junior Management Science e. V., vol. 6(4), pages 839-851.
    3. Nuria Pérez-Romero & Verónica Morales-Sánchez & José L. Pastrana-Brincones & Carolina Sánchez-García & Antonio Hernández-Mendo & Coral Falcó & Rafael Enrique Reigal, 2023. "The Online Assessment Tools of the MenPas 1.0 Platform, a Reliable and Sustainable Alternative for Psychosocial Research: A Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(22), pages 1-15, November.
    4. Williams, Laurence & Sovacool, Benjamin K. & Foxon, Timothy J., 2022. "The energy use implications of 5G: Reviewing whole network operational energy, embodied energy, and indirect effects," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 157(C).

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