Etisalat Launches Region’s First Net-Zero 5G Site at COP28

Etisalat by E& has today announced a strategic collaboration with Huawei to introduce the inaugural net-zero 5G Massive MIMO site deployment in the MENA region.

This groundbreaking deployment will be featured at Dubai Expo City, the distinguished venue for the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP28), underscoring Etisalat by E&’s dedication to environmental stewardship and technological excellence.

Operating solely on renewable energy, this 5G site exemplifies the fusion of sustainability and state-of-the-art wireless technology. The utilization of Massive MIMO technology, the linchpin of 5G, enhances capacity, coverage, and user experience. This collaboration marks the advent of a new era in green network infrastructure, hosting the region’s most energy-efficient 100 percent off-grid 5G site to date. Powered by an innovative AI-based energy management system, it is anticipated to curtail CO2 emissions by approximately 26 tonnes annually.

Khalid Murshed, Chief Technology and Information Officer at Etisalat by E&, remarked, “Our alliance with Huawei to unveil the region’s inaugural 5G Massive MIMO net-zero site underscores our commitment to sustainable innovation. Premiering at COP28, this initiative showcases our ability to integrate technology and sustainability, prompting discussions among global leaders on climate action.

“Our aspiration is to lead in sustainable technologies that align with the UAE’s Net-Zero 2050 strategy. In collaboration with Huawei, we aspire to broaden our array of zero-carbon sites and establish a benchmark for sustainable telecommunications infrastructure.”

The site stands as a testament to green innovation, harnessing solar power and smart energy storage solutions. Employing advanced MetaAAU (64T64R with 384 antenna array), Multi-band RRU, and green antennas, it enhances energy efficiency by up to 25 percent, while multi-band RRU reduces radio weight by up to 66 percent. Administered by NetEco, an artificial intelligence system, the site’s energy consumption is intricately optimized with a focus on real-time energy management.

The enduring partnership between Etisalat by E& and Huawei mirrors a shared vision for a sustainable future. Through collaborative efforts, both entities are dedicated to delivering solutions that elevate connectivity while championing sustainable practices, thereby contributing to the global discourse on environmental protection and technological advancement.