Airtel and Nokia unveils 'Green 5G' initiative to drive sustainability

Taking a step forward towards sustainability, Bharti Airtel and Nokia have joined hands to launch the ‘Green 5G’ initiative. This initiative, announced on October 8, 2024, aims to improve energy efficiency and significantly reduce carbon emissions across Airtel's 4G and 5G networks. It represents a major step forward in the telecom industry’s efforts to embrace eco-friendly practices amidst growing data demands and expanding mobile networks.

The comprehensive sustainability-focused solution is expected to cut Airtel's carbon emissions by an estimated 143,413 metric tons of CO2 annually, which is equivalent to planting millions of trees or removing thousands of cars from the road.

The Core of the Green 5G Initiative

The 'Green 5G' initiative is a multi-faceted solution that leverages cutting-edge technologies to drive energy efficiency across Airtel’s extensive network infrastructure. By employing Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Nokia’s advanced energy-saving software, the initiative will optimize power consumption during both peak and off-peak traffic hours, ensuring minimal energy waste.

Key features of this sustainability drive include:

• Zero-Traffic, Zero-Watt Operation: This feature reduces power usage to extremely low levels during periods of no network traffic, allowing for considerable energy conservation without affecting performance.
•  AI/ML-Enhanced Energy Savings: The integration of AI/ML technologies automates the management of energy-saving software, continuously adjusting network operations to ensure optimal energy use.
• ReefShark System-on-Chip (SoC): This advanced hardware adapts processing resources based on actual traffic demands, leading to a 15% reduction in power consumption.
• Advanced Digital Design: Nokia’s innovative design tools further lower transmitted power, reducing the energy footprint without compromising the quality of network performance.

A Milestone for Sustainable Telecom Networks

As India rapidly adopts 5G technology and its data consumption surges, the environmental footprint of mobile networks has come into sharper focus. Randeep Sekhon, Chief Technology Officer at Bharti Airtel, emphasized the company’s dedication to balancing network expansion with sustainability goals. “The rapid growth of mobile networks comes with an urgent responsibility to minimize our environmental impact. Our partnership with Nokia on the Green 5G initiative allows us to integrate advanced energy-efficient solutions, bringing us closer to our sustainability objectives,” he said.

A Commitment to Long-Term Sustainability

Airtel has set bold targets for reducing its overall carbon emissions, aligning its efforts with global sustainability trends. The company’s broader sustainability initiatives go beyond Green 5G, including extensive use of renewable energy across its operations. Airtel has already deployed solar-powered systems at nearly 25,000 sites and has sourced over 220,000 MWh of green power through its agreements for solar energy and rooftop installations in FY2024 alone.

With the Green 5G initiative, Airtel and Nokia are leading the way towards a greener, more energy-efficient future for mobile networks, proving that cutting-edge technology and sustainability can go hand in hand. The success of this project could potentially inspire other telecom companies to adopt similar eco-conscious practices, paving the way for a more sustainable global telecommunications industry.