New academic research suggests that energy-efficient features in next-generation 5G mobile networks could significantly reduce the United Kingdom’s indirect carbon emissions. A study from the University of Surrey, published in the journal Resources, Conservation and Recycling, indicates that widespread adoption of these technologies could cut UK emissions by an estimated 25 million tonnes of CO₂.
Modelling Environmental Impact
The research team constructed an environmentally-extended input-output model covering 33 economic sectors. They focused on the potential of specific 5G technologies, including AI-driven sleep modes for base stations, more efficient handset signalling protocols, and reconfigurable intelligent surfaces. These features are designed to reduce electricity consumption within telecommunications infrastructure itself.
Dr. Lirong Liu, Associate Professor at Surrey’s Centre for Environment and sustainability, explained the broader implications. “Smarter base stations and devices don’t just cut electricity use in telecoms, they reduce indirect emissions in the whole supply chain,” Liu stated. “The modelling framework allowed us to quantify effects that are usually hidden, especially the indirect emissions linked to electricity use and wider supply chains.”
Benefits Beyond Telecoms
The study concluded that the primary benefit would come from reduced electricity demand within the extensive supply chains that support digital infrastructure. According to the model, sectors such as finance and IT services would see the greatest indirect benefits from a more energy-efficient telecoms network. The estimated 25 million tonne reduction represents savings across industries that rely on digital connectivity.
Industry Realities and Challenges
The findings, however, are based on modelling assumptions about technology adoption rates and network behaviour. They emerge amid an ongoing debate within the telecommunications industry regarding whether 5G ultimately increases or decreases overall energy demand. Mobile network operators have noted that 5G rollouts can increase power consumption in the short term due to network densification, higher traffic volumes, and the need for new equipment.
Vendors like Ericsson and Nokia have promoted AI-based sleep modes and radio optimisation software, claiming these can yield energy savings of 10 to 30 percent per site under ideal conditions. The researchers acknowledge that actual savings vary widely depending on specific network configuration and local usage patterns.
A significant challenge identified is the “rebound effect,” where rising mobile data consumption, driven by faster and more available networks, could offset technological efficiency gains. This phenomenon has been observed in other areas of digital infrastructure.
Regulatory Proposals and Industry Pressure
The Surrey research team proposed that regulators could accelerate the adoption of energy-saving 5G features by linking spectrum licences to energy-efficiency targets and creating incentives for low-power network design. Such proposals may face scrutiny from operators who are already balancing substantial investment pressures, rural coverage obligations, and the costs of modernising existing networks.
This study adds to growing pressure on network operators, handset manufacturers, and device refurbishers to demonstrate credible progress on sustainability. This pressure is intensifying as corporate and national net-zero emissions requirements become more stringent.
The potential for smarter 5G networks to contribute to emission reduction goals appears significant based on academic modelling. The forthcoming challenge for the industry will be to prove that real-world efficiency gains can outpace rising data demand and that environmental benefits are supported by measurable results, not just optimistic projections.
Source: University of Surrey
