5G Networks as energy consumers

Cellular networks are witnessing an exponential traffic growth. 5G wireless networks will support connections for at least 100 billion devices and a 10 Gb/s individual user experience, leading to an increase in Energy Consumption, with impact on both environment and economy. Recently, different approaches have been studied to build Green cellular networks (namely on Base Stations which represents 80% of the total wireless network consumption) but much more needs to be improved.

SCAVENGE - Towards an eco-friendly and sustainable 5G networks

SCAVENGE is a project funded by the European Union in the framework of the H2020 Marie Skłodowska Curie Action - Innovative Training Networks – European Training Networks.

SCAVENGE tackles sustainable design, protocols, architectures and algorithms for next generation 5G cellular networks. The approach is based on the premise that environmental energy can be scavenged through dedicated harvesting hardware, in order to power mobile system elements like base stations, mobile terminals, sensors and machines.

SCAVENGE aims to create a training network for early-stage researchers, who will contribute to the design and implementation of eco-friendly and sustainable next-generation 5G networks and become leaders in the related scientific, technological, and industrial initiatives. To attain its objectives, the project will take a complete approach, encompassing the characterisation of intermittent and/or erratic energy sources, the development of theoretical models, and the design, optimisation and proof-of-concept implementation of core network, base stations and mobile elements as well as their integration with the smart electrical grid.

The research group is composed of world-class research centres and companies at the forefront of mobile communication and renewable energy research and technology development, namely CTTC (coordinator), University of Padova, Imperial College of London, University of Strathclyde, CEA, Huawei, Toshiba, Athonet and WorldSensing. The positive attitude of the industrial partners towards the considerable investment necessary in R&D, as well as their strategic vision are fully in line with the mission of this project. This grants a well-balanced working group with genuine and robust technical interactions.

More information at: www.scavenge.eu

ICTFOOTPRINT.eu will follow SCAVENGE developments regarding next generation of sustainable 5G cellular networks, contributing to a more sustainable ICT sector