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Did you know the growth in 5G traffic could increase operators’ power consumption by as much as 60 times between 2020 to 2030, with more complex networks, more powerful network elements, and more traffic all contributing to this surge in energy consumption?

The ICT industry currently generates 1.6% of all carbon emissions, and its role in decarbonization, especially within the realm of 5G, is immense. 

Now organizations are looking more closely at the green credentials, and there is a concerted effort to focus on the practical steps operators need to take to align 5G with sustainability. 

For a greener 5G network infrastructure, Red Sea Global and mobile telecommunications operator Zain KSA have partnered to launch a zero-carbon 5G network.

The collaboration was announced at the Six Senses Southern Dunes resorts at the Red Sea. The project is fueled by 100% renewable energy across over 760,000 solar panels constructed by Red Sea Global and will power the 28,000-square-kilometer destination. 

“We aspire to be global pioneers of regenerative tourism development, adopting 100% renewable energy at our flagship destination, the Red Sea, and working toward achieving a 30% net conservation benefit by 2040,” says John Pagano, Group CEO at Red Sea Global. 

“These ambitious goals demand ambitious partners, and our collaboration with Zain KSA transcends telecommunications, extending into sustainability and environmental protection.”

Designed using 3D printing technology, the project involves three main objectives: protecting the environment, reducing emissions using renewable energy, and mitigating visual distortion. “By collaborating with Red Sea Global, we reaffirm our commitment to a shared vision that balances achieving human prosperity with the preservation of nature and its sustainability for future generations, as outlined by Saudi Vision 2030,” says Zain KSA CEO Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al Deghaither.

The Red Sea spans 50 resorts, covering 8,000 hotel rooms and over 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. Once completed, it will open its doors to guests later this year.