Bitte verwenden Sie diesen Link, um diese Publikation zu zitieren, oder auf sie als Internetquelle zu verweisen: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/331271 
Erscheinungsjahr: 
2025
Schriftenreihe/Nr.: 
ITS 33rd European Conference 2025: "Digital innovation and transformation in uncertain times", Edinburgh, UK, 29th June – 1st July 2025
Verlag: 
International Telecommunications Society (ITS), Calgary
Zusammenfassung: 
Driven by the rapid rollout and densification of 5G networks, alongside mounting operational costs and carbon-reduction commitments, telecommunications operators and policymakers face a critical need for sustainable energy strategies. This paper presents a European-wide techno-economic and environmental assessment of retrofitting 5G macro-cell base stations with grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Using a techno-economic bottom-up model driven by real irradiance and load profiles, a 20-year discounted cash-flow (DCF) analysis is performed. Country-specific area/land characteristics, as well as capital, operating and land-lease costs are considered to determine net present value (NPV), whereas life-cycle assessment (LCA) is employed to quantify emission savings. Results show that rural sites are almost universally NPV-positive, however urban installations yield strong returns only in high-irradiance and high electricity price markets, while remaining marginal elsewhere. Sensitivity testing highlights electricity prices and land-lease costs as primary drivers. Modest electricity price trend close or above inflation and/or reuse of 30–70% of existing site area if available can render borderline markets profitable. Under profit-maximizing deployment, PV reduces national emissions by <0.7%, while an emissions-first expansion can roughly double that impact. We classify countries into "Invest Now," "Invest Selectively," and "Incentivize or Wait" groups, and propose a framework that aligns financial viability with carbon-reduction targets, offering clear guidance for both telecom operators and policymakers.
Schlagwörter: 
5G mobile networks
solar panels
CO2 emissions
green energy
NPV
technoeconomic analysis
LCA
Dokumentart: 
Conference Paper

Datei(en):
Datei
Größe





Publikationen in EconStor sind urheberrechtlich geschützt.