The GCC Sustainability Innovation Hub, a coalition of leading telecommunications operators including Ooredoo, e&, Beyon, Du, STC, Zain, and Omantel, has unveiled its first white paper, developed in collaboration with GSMA. Titled ‘Green Shoots: A New Model for Renewables from the GCC,’ the white paper outlines a collective strategy for achieving net-zero carbon emissions and highlights the challenges telecom operators face in their decarbonisation journey.
The document offers an in-depth analysis of the operational, technological, and regulatory challenges telecom companies encounter in their pursuit of decarbonisation. It also presents actionable strategies to accelerate the adoption of sustainable energy within the telecom sector, positioning the GCC as a leader in telecom sustainability and innovation.
Fatima Sultan al-Kuwari, Group Chief HR and Sustainability Officer at Ooredoo, remarked, “The release of this white paper is a significant milestone for the GCC telecom sector, demonstrating the power of collaboration in tackling environmental challenges. Through the GCC Sustainability Innovation Hub, we unite as an industry to pioneer sustainable solutions, share best practices, and contribute to a greener future for the region. This is only the beginning, and we are committed to driving forward innovative projects that support our journey to net zero, showing the leadership role the GCC can play in global sustainability efforts.”
The white paper underscores the urgent need to reduce high energy consumption within telecom operations, noting that renewables currently make up only 20% of the sector’s energy use. It also stresses the role telecom operators can play in enabling emissions reductions across industries like oil & gas, agriculture, and transportation through technologies like IoT and 5G connectivity.
By addressing energy costs, which can account for up to 20% of operating expenses, and deploying energy-efficient technologies, telecom operators have an opportunity to both reduce emissions and improve profitability, contributing to the region’s decarbonisation objectives.
The GCC Sustainability Innovation Hub, established as a part of the region’s post-COP28 commitment to sustainability, is the first initiative of its kind in the GCC telecom sector. The hub serves as a centralized platform for the development and testing of sustainable solutions, fostering innovation and partnerships across industries.
With the combined resources and expertise of the telecom operators, the hub aims to create an ecosystem that accelerates the adoption of renewable energy and sustainable practices within the sector. The initiative also seeks to inspire global solution providers to join the movement toward a more sustainable future. Through continued projects and collaborations, the hub will set new benchmarks for sustainability in telecom and contribute to global efforts to address climate change.
