The abundance of human capital in cities presents many commercial opportunities, leading to wealth generation, employment and ultimately increased per-capita spending capacity. Similarly, industries produce products that can be exported to earn revenue while efficient manufacturing capacity can save significant import costs, adding to national reserves.
However, this hub of activity comes with its own set of obligations. Cities currently account for around three-quarters of global energy consumption and 70 percent of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and their contribution is set to rise. Existing data shows that only one in five cities have set a target to reach net zero emissions—the overall balance between GHG emissions produced and GHG emissions taken out of the atmosphere.
Meanwhile, cities are expanding, and by 2050, urban areas are projected to increase by a combined land area equivalent to Germany, Italy, and Japan, which totals approximately 1,020,419 square kilometers.
Rapid Digitalization
The pace of digitalization is accelerating at an unprecedented speed. A recent example of digital adoption can be gleaned from the shipment of personal computers (PCs). Worldwide PC shipments totaled 60.6 million units in the second quarter (Q2) of 2024, a 1.9% increase from the second quarter of 2023, according to Gartner.
Moreover, the industry is promoting the sales of AI PCs, which are equipped with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). The first Arm-based Windows AI PC is set to be introduced in the second quarter of 2024. This release is expected to increase competition in the PC market, although it is still too early to predict widespread adoption due to the current nascent AI ecosystem.
Similarly, the adoption of mobile phones has grown exponentially. By now, most of us are already getting used to the digital services offered by the government and businesses through their portals and mobile applications made possible by the virtualization of networks along with the deployment of advanced technologies. Our interconnected ecosystem is already building momentum in the metaverse environment where the physical and the virtual worlds will converge to function as one whole digitalized world.
But this will mean a lot of data exchanges taking place between endpoints at tremendous scale, putting pressure on the computing capacity and energy consumption across industrial sectors. Hence the need for sustainable operations, especially in the cities and industries is becoming inevitable.
Telecom Review Analysis: Digitalization: A Way Forward for Future Economies
Sustainable Projects
As countries and companies compete to stay relevant in the global context concerning sustainability and energy efficiency, ICT’s role in supporting these key metrics will only become more significant.
The Red Sea Project in Saudi Arabia is a pioneering example of green smart city development, in the form of a tourism destination. Expected to host one million visitors annually, it already has an operational airport and multiple hotels. This zero-carbon city will be the world's first fully clean, energy-powered destination. To ensure sustainable connectivity at the site, Zain KSA has introduced a revolutionary 5G network that boasts the highest data transfer speeds for 5G connectivity powered by 100% renewable energy.
In tandem with this massive sustainability initiative, Huawei has constructed the largest photovoltaic-energy storage microgrid station in the world to power community connectivity. Featuring an impressive 400 MW solar PV system, coupled with a 1.3 GWh energy storage system, the project is divided into 6 sites and utilizes Huawei Digital Power’s all-scenario FusionSolar Smart PV+ESS solutions. FusionSolar provides a grid-forming solution based on smart string architecture, enhancing the power grid's capability of renewable energy integration in terms of voltage, frequency, and power angle to address the grid challenges presented by the high penetration of renewable energy.
Designed to address the energy efficiency and cost-saving sectors, telecom vendor, Nokia, has introduced AirScale baseband solutions to address peak-hour power consumption using the latest hardware technology, software features and Self Optimizing Network (SON) optimizations. Nokia’s Digital Design approach considers each cell in the network including interference, load, and beam-set configuration. Optimized cell configuration enables overall lower transmission power, helping to reduce both CO2 footprints and energy bills, without compromising network performance and end-user experience.
Latest Telecom Operator News: Virgin Mobile Saudi to Enable Joint Strategic Approach in Smart City Development
Nokia has set its sights on using green electricity by 2025 while UAE telecommunications provider, du, is playing a crucial role in the development of Dubai's smart city vision. Notably, Jihad Tayara, Vice President of Business Development and Partnerships at du, stated that the Dubai Pulse Platform by Smart Dubai serves as the digital backbone and 'beating heart' of the city. Additionally, du has been selected as the main systems integrator for all smart services in the new Dubai Silicon Park development within the Dubai Silicon Oasis area.
As global temperatures rise and energy consumption increases, liquid cooling technology is emerging as a trend for building green and energy-efficient data centers. Rosenberger's liquid-cooled data center cabling solutions provide specialized liquid-cooled cable distribution frames, featuring IP67-rated Mini-RMC multicore connectors compatible with liquid cooling.
Vodafone Oman is pioneering the nation’s green-field future with its 5G Next Network, while Nokia MEA’s Rural Connect offers an innovative, full turn-key green solution.
ZTE's green scenario solution leverages green ICT, using 5G terminals as probes to penetrate the industry and abstract basic capabilities such as machine vision, AI, big data, and industrial interconnection into components.
Furthermore, in 2023, Zain Bahrain deployed Ericsson's new 5G hardware, which is lighter than previous generations and is expected to save up to 18% more energy, contributing to greater sustainability.
Commenting on the future of green smart cities and industries, Chafic Chay from RIPE NCC, expounded that IPv6 is the only sustainable strategy for future growth.
Related: Saudi City Joins the Ranks of Smart Cities
The Entrance of Sustainable Policies and Collective Adoption
Various policies and initiatives are actively contributing to the future development of green smart cities and industries. The annual World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD), themed 'Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development' in 2024, served as a rallying point for visionaries, innovators, and policymakers. This event underscores the importance of digital innovation in fostering sustainable development, which is essential for the growth of green smart cities and industries.
In Qatar, the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has adopted a policy on 5G private mobile networks, which is a significant step towards enhancing green digital infrastructure. This move is crucial for developing smart cities that rely on robust and efficient communication networks to support green initiatives.
The 2023 Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR-23), held under the theme "Regulation for a Sustainable Digital Future," focused on purposeful and collaborative regulation. This approach aims to establish universal standards that promote sustainable digital environments, which are vital for the future of green smart cities and industries.
The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) also explored real-world digital innovation scenarios on World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD). These scenarios are essential in demonstrating practical applications of digital technologies that drive the sustainability of urban environments.
Also Read: du, Dubai Silicon Oasis to Expand Dubai Digital Park Into Integrated Smart City
Final Thoughts
The contribution of cities to national economic growth is very significant in developing countries. The economic future of developing countries depends on the kind of cities they can manage to operate. Cities and industries are vital resources to generate wealth. However, cities face many challenges, from accelerating growth; to the influx of migrants; to the deterioration of infrastructure; to environmental degradation.
In the GCC region, the most recent development in green smart city enhancement is the Abu Dhabi government's recent resolution to establish a Smart and Autonomous System Council. This council will oversee the comprehensive strategy for operating and using smart and autonomous systems and manage related activities.
Collectively, these policies and initiatives are paving the way for a future where smart cities and industries are not only technologically advanced but also environmentally sustainable. By promoting digital innovation, robust 5G networks, purposeful regulation, and sustainable connectivity, these efforts are laying the groundwork for the next generation of green smart cities and industries.
Aligned with the evolving digital landscape of the region, organizations and the telecom industry must adopt advanced, productive, technology-backed , policy-driven endeavors to ensure the continuous development of greener smart cities and industries.
Read More: How the Gulf is Entering the 4th Phase of Smart City Development
