The information and communication technology (ICT) sector accounted for between 1.5% and 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2023. The use cases and performance demands of future sixth-generation (6G) networks are expected to further increase energy consumption and carbon emissions over comparable coverage areas, primarily due to reliance on higher-frequency bands and ultra-dense infrastructure unless mitigated through energy-efficient design and carbon-aware network optimisation.
At the same time, there is growing agreement on the importance of developing more sustainable systems, driven by the environmental impact of carbon emissions, concerns about the exhaustion of non-renewable energy sources, and the drive for cost-effectiveness.
In order to achieve carbon-neutral 6G networks and meet the carbon emission targets set by the Paris Agreement and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the design and development of energy-efficient and sustainable network architectures are essential.
In this white paper, we highlight the barriers to achieving carbon neutrality and discuss promising energy-efficient technologies for future 6G networks. We also present a model that estimates the energy consumption of 6G base stations (BSs) and compares it with that of 4G and 5G BSs. Furthermore, we introduce key performance metrics related to energy consumption and carbon emissions, which are crucial for identifying opportunities to reduce emissions, optimise energy consumption, and enhance network sustainability.
Finally, we emphasise that the challenges to achieving carbon-neutral 6G extend beyond technological innovation. They demand coordinated action from governments, standardisation bodies, regulators, policymakers, industry, and the research community. These insights offer guidance for developing energy-efficient and carbon-neutral 6G networks and beyond.
➡️ Download the full white paper: Towards Carbon-Neutrality for 6G Networks
