Bharti Airtel has partnered with Nokia to launch the “Green 5G” initiative aimed at enhancing the energy efficiency of its 4G and 5G networks while significantly cutting down on carbon emissions. The collaboration, announced on October 8, focuses on introducing energy-efficient solutions to Airtel’s Radio Access Network (RAN) by utilizing advanced technologies, including AI/ML and state-of-the-art software.
The initiative is expected to reduce Airtel’s carbon footprint by around 143,413 metric tons of CO2 annually. Key aspects of the collaboration include optimizing energy use during low traffic periods, employing advanced digital design for better power management, and integrating Nokia’s ReefShark System-on-Chip to adapt power usage to traffic loads. These measures are projected to result in an additional 15% reduction in energy consumption.
Airtel CTO Randeep Sekhon highlighted the importance of sustainability in light of expanding data demands and the rollout of 5G, while Tarun Chhabra of Nokia expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasizing its alignment with Nokia’s global net-zero goals by 2040. Airtel is also advancing renewable energy usage across its infrastructure, including deploying solar-powered systems at 25,000 sites.
The partnership marks a significant step for Airtel towards achieving its ambitious emissions reduction targets, promoting energy efficiency, and building climate-resilient infrastructure.
