6G radio hardware - contributing to the net-zero target

When we look at the future of mobile networks, the picture is clearly full of innovation, from high speed to ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC). However, one significant aspect of the hardware that will drive these future networks is often left aside when beyond 5G (B5G) and 6G is discussed: efficiency and power. As electricity is a basic universal need in modern society, its use affects both adopters and non-adopters of the technology, including those who do not even own a mobile device. For instance, to achieve the desired levels of performance, B5G/6G will operate at higher frequencies with estimates to reach the Tera-Hertz (THz) band in the future, requiring more and denser cells, which comes at the price of higher energy consumption and therefore, if we do not work to optimize the efficiency of the network, the higher demands for electricity - maintaining the same supply capacity - will increase cost. Thus, to cope with the higher demand, electricity suppliers will need to find means to increase generation, which may come to the unfortunate use of fossil fuels, contributing to climate change, air pollution, and driving us further from achieving net-zero targets in the future.

In this chapter, we review the current efforts being explored to optimize future mobile networks' energy efficiency, targeting net-zero, and the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A brief analysis of electronic waste (e-waste) will also be discussed in Section 2.6.