A study commissioned by Ericsson concludes that 5G connectivity is essential for Europe to meet its climate goals.
With international attention on the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, the report emphasizes 5G’s role in cutting carbon emissions across the continent and accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy.
The European Union has committed to reducing carbon emissions by 40 percent relative to 2017 levels by 2030. While this falls short of the roughly 50 percent reduction urged by initiatives such as the UNFCCC’s Race to Zero and the Exponential Roadmap to limit global warming to 1.5°C, it remains a significant step toward curbing climate change.
Börje Ekholm, President and CEO of Ericsson, commented:
“The EU and UK have set ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions that will require transformational shifts across society. This new analysis demonstrates that connectivity, and specifically 5G, is vital to achieving these decarbonisation targets.
It is difficult to see how these targets will be met unless the roll-out of digital infrastructure across Europe accelerates to match that of other leading countries and regions in the developed world.”
According to the study, deploying 5G across four carbon-intensive sectors—power, transport, manufacturing, and buildings—could reduce emissions by 55–170 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (MtCO2e) per year. To give scale to that figure, the same reduction would be comparable to removing more than 35 million petrol cars from the road.
| Sector | Example of a sector-specific carbon abatement solution | Estimated carbon abatement by 2030 |
| Power | Sensor-driven improvements in renewable energy generation and deployment | Up to 75MtCO2e |
| Transport | Improved truck utilisation | Up to 55MtCO2e |
| Manufacturing | Sensor-driven efficiency improvements in factories | Up to 35MtCO2e |
| Building | Flexible and remote working enabled by 5G connectivity | Up to 5MtCO2e |
Ericsson itself is taking action. In 2019 the company set a goal for net-zero carbon emissions from its fleet vehicles and facilities by 2030.
At its 5G Smart Factory in Lewisville, Texas, Ericsson integrated sustainability into the entire design and operation. Compared with comparable facilities, the factory uses 24 percent less energy, reduces indoor water consumption by 75 percent, and contributes 97 percent less operational carbon emissions.
“We will continue to invest heavily, not just for our customers through energy-efficiency products and solutions, but in our own operations, just as we have done at our 5G Smart Factory in the US,” Ekholm added. “It is a great example of the emission saving results that can be achieved through implementing 5G in manufacturing.”
The report estimates that at least 40 percent of the EU’s emissions-reduction solutions will depend on fixed-line and mobile connectivity.
“At present, with 5G roll-out, Europe is strolling towards a more digital, low-carbon future, while other regions are sprinting in the same direction,” Ekholm observed.
He urged policymakers and regulators to act swiftly: removing practical, regulatory, and financial barriers will unlock the economic, social, and environmental benefits of 5G so people, businesses, and industries across Europe can realize them.
The report notes that North America and North-East Asia are projected to reach about 97 percent population coverage for 5G by 2027, while Europe is forecast to reach only around 80 percent in the same period. With 2027 just three years before the critical 2030 milestone for deeper emission cuts aligned with a 1.5°C pathway, the analysis argues that Europe must accelerate its 5G rollout to better support climate objectives.
A full copy of the report is available from Ericsson.
(Photo by Li-An Lim on Unsplash)