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Opportunities of 5G Mobile Technology for Climate Protection in Switzerland

In: Advances and New Trends in Environmental Informatics

Author

Listed:
  • Jan Bieser

    (University of Zurich)

  • Beatrice Salieri

    (TEMAS Solutions)

  • Roland Hischier

    (Empa Materials Science and Technology)

  • Lorenz M. Hilty

    (University of Zurich)

Abstract

5G mobile networks are intended to meet the increasing requirements placed on mobile communications. Producing and operating 5G infrastructure causes direct effects on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Meanwhile, 5G is expected to support applications that contribute to GHG abatement. We investigated (i) the GHG footprint of 5G infrastructure, and (ii) the GHG abatement potential of four 5G-supported use cases (i.e., flexible work, smart grids, automated driving and precision farming) for Switzerland in 2030. Our results show that 5G infrastructure is expected to cause 0.018 Mt CO2 e/year. Per unit of data transmitted, 5G is expected to cause 85% less GHG emissions in 2030 than today’s 2G/3G/4G network mix. The four 5G-supported use cases have the potential to avoid up to 2.1 Mt CO2 e/year; clearly more than the predicted GHG footprint of 5G infrastructure. The use cases benefit especially from ultra-low latency, the possibility to connect many devices, high reliability, mobility, availability and security provided by 5G. To put 5G at the service of climate protection, measures should be taken in two fields. First, the GHG footprint of 5G should be kept small, by installing only as much 5G infrastructure as required, running 5G with electricity from renewable energy sources, and decommissioning older network technologies once 5G is widely available. Second, the GHG abatements enabled by 5G-supported use cases should be unleashed by creating conditions that target GHG reductions and mitigate rebound effects. The final outcome depends largely on the political will to steer the development into the direction of a net GHG reduction.

Suggested Citation

  • Jan Bieser & Beatrice Salieri & Roland Hischier & Lorenz M. Hilty, 2023. "Opportunities of 5G Mobile Technology for Climate Protection in Switzerland," Progress in IS, in: Volker Wohlgemuth & Stefan Naumann & Grit Behrens & Hans-Knud Arndt & Maximilian Höb (ed.), Advances and New Trends in Environmental Informatics, pages 217-235, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:prochp:978-3-031-18311-9_13
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-18311-9_13
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    Cited by:

    1. Rossi, Maria Alessandra, 2024. "EU technology-specific industrial policy. The case of 5G and 6G," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 48(2).

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