Powering Towards MWC2023: Telecom MNOs Lead the Transition to Sustainable Energy – How About You?

In today’s uncertain world where the impact of climate on our environment is increasingly challenging, the role of the telecom industry is to leverage innovative technology to provide a digital lifeline of stability, connectivity and communication. Leading the transition to the digital economy, the impact of the telecom industry on decarbonization is far greater than the actual emissions from its operations. E-commerce, telemedicine and smart farming are only a few examples of how digital networks eliminate carbon emissions at a far greater magnitude than if those industries continued to operate without digitization.

As sustainability leaders in the post-pandemic global economy, the telecom industry is at the epicenter of the world’s efforts to transition to net-zero by 2050 or before, rallying not only its employees, stakeholders and customers, but working hard to transition suppliers across the supply chain to a sustainable, low-carbon future. Acknowledging its central role in attaining this solution, the telecom industry is working to ensure that the networks and equipment behind the diverse digital solutions driving our economy run on clean, emission-free power.

MWC2023, for which 100% of the event’s power consumption comes from green energy sources, reflects the commitment of the GSMA, its members and the majority of the industry’s operators, service providers and suppliers to ambitious carbon disclosure, sustainability and decarbonization targets. Together we are working to maintain a safe, clean and equitable world for all, in which the connected technology industries share in responsibility for the global environment and underserved people, including the unconnected and accessibility for all.

While sustainability was not chosen as a main theme for MWC2023, we at GenCell salute the telecom industry and feel compelled to promote the impressive efforts being made by the MNOs to achieve strict net zero targets and to encourage their suppliers and entire ecosystems to join them in these endeavors to make the transition to sustainable energy a reality.  By leveraging fuel cells that deliver power that is both sustainable AND resilient, MNOs can not only transition to a sustainable future, but also ensure continuous connectivity during climate-related disasters.

To celebrate these efforts, we invite you to join us and share details about telecom sustainability initiatives that you see are moving the needle to ensure a clean, resilient future.

See below some examples of how telecom companies are taking action to combat climate change by transitioning to resilient, sustainable energy. We have listed a few illustrations and invite you to fill out the form below to share other inspiring telco sustainable energy targets and programs:

Vodafone - As part of its purpose pillars – Inclusion for All; Planet & Digital Society, Vodafone achieved its target to purchase 100% renewable electricity in Europe from July 2021. The operator is committed to fully abate for its own operations by 2030 and for its full carbon footprint by 2040 – including net zero for emissions of its own operations.

Telefonica – Telefonica will reach its target of zero net emissions in its four main markets by 2030, initially planned for 2050. Its objective for 2025 is to avoid 10 tonnes of CO2 for every tonne emitted.

Deutsche Telekom- Deutsche Telekom has made a clear commitment to climate-neutral business practices and the pursuit of a circular economy. Meeting all electricity requirements with renewable sources since 2021, DT will be climate neutral (Scope 1 & 2) by 2025 and extend to the entire value chain (Scope 3) by 2040.

Orange Group – In 2020 Orange launched the Green Act to place environment at the heart of its processes and activities and its Engage2025 strategic plan set the objective to achieve Net Zero carbon by 2040.

Gruppo TIM – Set Net Zero target of Scope 1+2+3 by 2040, Carbon Neutrality (Scope 1=2) by 2030 and 100% renewable energy on total energy by 2025.

T-Mobile Czech Republic - Aims to maximize efficient use of resources and reduce the negative impact on the planet and society. All the electricity used in 2021 was sourced from renewable resources, as well as reduced printed materials, eliminated unnecessary plastics enabled smartphone second life.

Telenor – Set Climate Goals to Reduce emissions of GHGs from our global operations by 57%, achieving for the Nordics carbon-neutral business operations by 2030, and 68% of the company’s suppliers, by spend, within the categories Purchased Goods, Services and Capital Goods, shall set science-based targets within 2025.

Telia - Having adopted daring goals in 2019 to reach zero CO2 and zero waste by 2030, today the company’s total value chain GHG emissions in 2020, the majority (99%) of emissions were Scope 3 generated in the value chain with minimal climate impact from its operations thanks to the use of 100% renewable electricity.

Pelephone (Subsidiary of Bezeq) – Commitment to Zero carbon emissions (net) by 2050 and led a series of significant measures in building the infrastructure that allows the company to focus on managing its social and environmental impact, including partnership in achieving national and global climate goals and transparency vis-à-vis ESG.

Please help us raise awareness for telecom providers’ initiatives to transition to sustainable energy sources by sharing details about more such initiatives in the form at the bottom of our blog post here:

Thanks so much and hoping to see you at MWC2023 Barcelona!