Abstract:

The emergence of 5G networks will drive social change. However, 5G networks require construction of numerous base stations, leading to greater carbon emissions. Scientifically analyzing the carbon reduction potential of 5G base stations and proposing an effective carbon reduction route are urgent issues for the information and communications technology (ICT) industry to address. First, in the context of green power trading, a 5G base station carbon emission accounting model based on the Kaya identity is constructed by considering factors such as base station scale, single-station energy consumption, green power ratio, and emission coefficient. A carbon emission reduction contribution analysis model is established using the logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) decomposition method, and the carbon emission reduction potential and carbon emission reduction factor contribution of 5G base stations in China are analyzed using the scenario analysis method. The results show that, for carbon growth, the base station scale is always the greatest driver; for carbon reduction, single-station energy consumption contributes the most to the baseline and established policy scenarios, and the proportion of green power trading contributes the most to the low-carbon-policy scenario. Therefore, for the 5G base station carbon reduction path, participating in the common construction and sharing of communication infrastructure to reduce the base station size is a fundamental way to upgrade green energy-saving technologies to reduce single-station energy consumption. Expanding the scale of green power trading to increase the proportion of green power trading is the key initiative to achieve the target ahead of schedule. The findings and conclusions of this study can provide a reference for the ICT industry to conduct double-carbon work.

Key words: green power trading, 5G base stations, carbon reduction, logarithmic mean Divisia index(LMDI) decomposition