Nokia: Tackling Telecom Hardware Emissions via AI Strategy
Nokia is continuing to reduce its greenhouse gas output by 11% since 2022, despite encountering ever-increasing network traffic demands.
Such a dramatic reduction forms part of the company's environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) strategy, which is to target net zero emissions by 2040 across its operations and supply chain, as outlined in its Planet and Sustainability Handbook.
This comes as the wider telecommunications industry continues to prioritise sustainability as it continues to expand, with companies seeking to balance growth with environmental responsibility.
"Digital technologies underpin critical aspects of our lives, but we have a responsibility to ensure the cost of these benefits is not paid for by future generations," Subho Mukherjee, Vice President and Global Head of Sustainability at Nokia, explains.
"Every decision should also be viewed through the lens of sustainability.
Targeting network power use with AI
Notably, Nokia’s AirScale 5G base stations, which provide cellular coverage through multiple antennas and transmitters, are now using 50% less power compared to 2019 models.
"Nokia's most advanced chipsets can demonstrate as much as a 75% reduction in power consumption from previous generations as well as a more than 3x increase in performance, helping operators as they look to break the link between data growth and energy consumption," Subho says.
The implementation of private wireless networks, which provide dedicated cellular coverage for industrial sites, are demonstrating measurable environmental benefits. Already, a Nokia and Global Data survey found 79% of organisations reduced emissions by 10% after installing these systems.
"By knowing how traffic moves around a city, and where congestion builds, we can reduce air pollution by altering traffic signals or changing bus routes, but getting this insight is incredibly difficult," Subho adds.
"Internet-enabled devices can provide this information, helping us create a more sustainable future for all. The crossover between data-driven insight and human creativity can lead to significant benefits we can't deliver today."
Confronting the sustainability dilemma
It has been suggested that global electricity demand from data centres could double by 2026, with EU data centre energy consumption in particular expected to triple by 2030 mostly due to increasing AI demand.
Nokia is aiming to address this growing challenge through deployment of fibre optic cables, which transmit data using light pulses through glass strands. These networks transport 12 times more data than traditional copper wiring at equivalent power levels.
Likewise, the telco is also turning to 5G technology to not only provide faster wireless data speeds, but to also operate at one-tenth of the energy cost of 4G systems.
It is also implementing circular economy practices by refurbishing and remanufacturing equipment returned from customers. This process reduces electronic waste while conserving energy typically required for new manufacturing.
Significantly, AI is also used to manage network power states. This automated power management approach could reduce network energy consumption by 15%.
"One of the biggest benefits of artificial intelligence is the ability to automate. When we need to connect to the network it has to be there, but if it is not being used it is simply consuming energy - this is particularly relevant in more rural parts of the world," Subho says.
Delivering connectivity progress with enhanced tech
Looking ahead, sustainability will remain a critical priority for Nokia, as the industry continues to innovate. These efforts will extend further to incorporate the social side of sustainability, making room to support the communities in which it operates.
Already, the company's social projects have reached 691,000 people over two years, including 130,832 in 2023 through digital access initiatives focused on skills development and community connectivity.
In India, the Smartpur village programme provided 119,795 people with internet services in 2023 by supporting local technology entrepreneurs. The initiative creates facilities that enable digital service access in rural communities.
Subho explains: "Sustainability is now part of every conversation. The awareness of your technology footprint and handprint stems from data-driven insight, but responsible decision-making needs to be at the core of every conversation.
"At Nokia, we believe technology has the power to deliver a digital society, where human endeavour is only improved by intelligent design and intervention – our business is to ensure our customers are more aware, informed and successful."
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