A new paper published on European Commission: Open Research Europe featuring the COALESCE project explores of how technology can align with sustainability, offering innovative solutions to pressing environmental challenges. What stands out is its emphasis on collaboration—bringing together diverse stakeholders from technologists to policymakers to ensure a holistic approach to 6G development. The inclusion of AI-driven and renewable energy solutions demonstrates the authors’ commitment to pushing the boundaries of both technology and environmental responsibility. COALESCE is a notable highlight, showcasing the potential to merge telecommunications and energy systems for mutual benefit. However, the paper also acknowledges the challenges, such as balancing the energy demands of AI operations with their efficiency gains. Overall, the paper is not just a call to action for sustainable 6G but a blueprint for future technological ecosystems that prioritise ecological and societal well-being without compromising innovation. It’s a valuable resource for researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers alike.
This publication highlights a collaborative effort to integrate sustainability into the design and development of 6G mobile networks. Drawing insights from EU-funded projects, it explores innovative solutions such as AI-driven network optimisation, energy-efficient infrastructure, and renewable energy integration. The authors emphasise the necessity of embedding ecological and societal considerations into 6G systems to reduce environmental impact while advancing connectivity and technological innovation.
This research has significant real-world implications that can directly impact people’s lives. As we depend more on mobile networks for work, communication, and entertainment, the energy used by these systems continues to grow, contributing to environmental issues like climate change. This research focuses on making future networks, like 6G, more energy-efficient and sustainable, meaning they’ll use less power and rely more on renewable energy sources.
For individuals, this could mean lower energy costs, more reliable internet connections, and a reduced environmental footprint from daily activities like streaming videos or using smart home devices. Projects like COALESCE even explore integrating networks with renewable energy systems, which could lead to smarter, greener cities. On a broader level, these innovations ensure that as technology advances, it does so responsibly, preserving the environment for future generations while still delivering cutting-edge connectivity.
The findings from this research have promising industry applications, both now and in the future. Currently, industries can leverage AI-driven energy optimisation tools and sustainable design principles to enhance the efficiency of existing 5G networks. Sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and smart cities could benefit from reduced energy costs and improved reliability of private 5G networks, as explored in the BeGREEN project. In the future, 6G networks will transform industries by integrating renewable energy systems into network operations, as highlighted in the COALESCE project. Telecommunications providers can implement these eco-friendly technologies to cut operational costs and reduce carbon footprints. Smart energy grids, powered by AI and renewable energy, can further revolutionise logistics, transportation, and urban planning, ensuring seamless and sustainable connectivity. This research paves the way for industries to adopt green technologies while maintaining high performance, meeting both economic and environmental goals in an increasingly connected world.
The future of this research lies in translating its innovative ideas into practical, real-world applications that balance advanced connectivity with sustainability. The next steps include testing and refining energy-efficient technologies, like COALESCE’s integration of renewable energy systems with mobile networks, in real-world scenarios. Demonstrations will validate how these solutions perform in diverse settings, such as cities, factories, and homes, while reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.
Additionally, this research will focus on setting global standards for sustainable 6G networks, ensuring that energy efficiency, resource optimisation, and renewable integration become central to future telecommunications. Collaborative efforts among researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders will be vital to align innovation with ecological goals. Ultimately, these efforts aim to build a smarter, greener infrastructure that supports both technological progress and environmental stewardship, ensuring that future generations enjoy advanced connectivity without compromising the planet’s health.
Publication Title: Towards sustainable 6G: A collaborative call to action for addressing environmental challenges in (and thanks to) future mobile networks: https://open-research-europe.ec.europa.eu/articles/4-260/v1
Authors: Regis Decorme; Sébastien Faye; Monique Calisti; Simon Pryor; Indrakshi Dey; Maria Pia Fanti; Francesco Malandrino; Chiara Lombardo
