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Innovation Hub: A Model of Telecom Collaboration for Accelerating Renewable Energy Adoption
Abu Dhabi,- GSMA Intelligence has unveiled a new report in coordination with members of the Gulf Cooperative Council (GCC) Sustainability Innovation Hub, including e&. Titled Green Shoots: A New Model for Renewables from the GCC, the report outlines the current state of renewable energy adoption within telecommunications, providing benchmarking data and forward-looking analysis on reducing carbon emissions to achieve net-zero goals by 2050. The report delves into operational, technological, and regulatory challenges and offers actionable strategies for overcoming these barriers.
Highlights and Milestones
The GCC Sustainability Innovation Hub was established in 2023 during COP28, founded through a strategic partnership among e&, STC, Beyon, Du, Omantel, Ooredoo, and Zain. It serves as a pivotal platform for developing sustainable solutions specifically tailored to the telecom industry. This report not only marks a milestone in the GCC telecom sector’s sustainability journey but also signals the sector’s openness to global collaboration toward sustainable development.
Harrison Lung, Group Chief Strategy Officer at e&, stated: “The recognition from GSMA Intelligence validates the work of the GCC Sustainability Innovation Hub. At e&, collective action is essential for reaching net zero, exemplified by the unity among GCC telecom operators. We encourage solution providers to join our path toward a more sustainable future for the telecom industry and the region.”
Industry Impact and Achievements
According to the report, renewable energy sources nearly doubled in the telecom industry, reaching approximately 20% in 2023. The industry’s carbon footprint remains relatively low at 0.3% of global emissions, reflecting its higher reliance on renewable energy compared to other sectors.
Key initiatives include:
e& in UAE: Implemented solar solutions that cut power consumption by 40% at mobile sites; AI-driven optimizations reduced power usage by 15–20%.
PTCL in Pakistan: Transitioned diesel generators to hybrid battery-solar systems across multiple sites.
Zain in Kuwait: Deployed AI to reduce power consumption by 15–20% at base stations.
STC in Saudi Arabia: Achieved a 20% reduction in data center energy usage.
Batelco in Bahrain: Established the country’s first solar-powered data center.
Path Forward
The GCC Sustainability Innovation Hub not only drives sustainable network solutions but also fosters knowledge-sharing and collaboration across the region. The initiative represents the first step in a larger collaboration within the telecom sector, with member operators dedicated to advancing sustainability through future projects.
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