Devise & explore a novel approach for energy consumption and carbon footprint reduction of ICT services in the era of next-generation mobile telecommunications (6G)

Project Information

EXIGENCE

Grant agreement ID: 101139120

DOI

10.3030/101139120

Project closed

EC signature date 13 December 2023

Start date 1 January 2024

End date 30 June 2026

Funded under

• Digital, Industry and Space

Total cost

€ 4 232 242,50

EU contribution

€ 3 984 130,75

Coordinated by

F6S NETWORK IRELAND LIMITED
Ireland

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - EXIGENCE (Devise & explore a novel approach for energy consumption and carbon footprint reduction of ICT services in the era of next-generation mobile telecommunications (6G))

Reporting period: 2024-01-01 to 2024-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The EXIGENCE project is strategically positioned to address the escalating global demand for reducing the energy consumption and carbon footprint of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services. This need is particularly acute as the world anticipates the rollout of 6G technology, which promises increased bandwidth and connectivity but also the potential for significantly higher energy demands. The project's central aim is to empower both service providers and end-users by equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and incentives necessary to make environmentally responsible decisions concerning ICT service provisioning and consumption. This involves creating mechanisms for assessing, incentivizing, and ultimately reducing the environmental impact of ICT services.

A key differentiator for EXIGENCE lies in its commitment to open, interoperable solutions that can be seamlessly integrated into diverse 6G environments. This approach is crucial for widespread adoption and scalability. Furthermore, EXIGENCE places a strong emphasis on standardization, actively seeking to translate its research findings into formal standards through engagement with Standards Development Organizations (SDOs). The project envisions that its contributions will lead to more energy-efficient network architectures, optimized resource allocation, and the adoption of sustainable practices across the ICT sector. By addressing energy consumption at the service level, EXIGENCE aims to contribute to broader environmental sustainability goals, aligning with European Union policies and international agreements.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During the first Reporting Period, EXIGENCE accomplished significant technical milestones across its work packages. Key activities and achievements include:
• Value Network Development: The project created a generic value network for the future energy ecosystem. This network maps the relationships between various stakeholders, including service providers, users, energy suppliers, and regulatory bodies, identifying key dependencies and value flows related to energy consumption and carbon emissions.
• Use Case Analysis: A comprehensive analysis of 14 relevant use cases focusing on energy and carbon measurements in ICT was conducted. These use cases cover a wide range of scenarios, from data center operations to mobile network usage, and serve as the basis for defining requirements and developing solutions within the project.
• 6G Requirements Definition: Based on the identified use cases, preliminary requirements for energy-efficient 6G systems were developed. These requirements are structured according to the 3GPP SA1 (Service Aspects & Requirements) template, facilitating their potential integration into future 6G standards.
• Ecosystem Mapping: The use cases were mapped to the future energy ecosystem, identifying stakeholders, their roles, energy dependencies, and the impact of the use cases in terms of value. This mapping exercise provides valuable insights into the economic and environmental implications of different ICT service deployment scenarios. For example, the mapping identifies the role of energy aggregators in balancing energy supply and demand in the ICT sector.
• Functional Architecture Guidelines: Initial guidelines for constructing measurement and optimization/actuation mechanisms were defined. These guidelines lay the groundwork for the development of a functional architecture that enables the assessment and reduction of energy consumption in ICT systems.
• Draft Metrics: Initial draft metrics for evaluating energy consumption and carbon footprint were defined. These metrics cover a range of parameters, including energy consumption per bit transmitted, carbon emissions per subscriber, and energy efficiency of network equipment.
• Prototyping: Initial prototype component implementation, this includes the development of software modules for energy monitoring and control, as well as the integration of these modules with existing network management platforms. The prototypes are being developed using open-source technologies and are designed to be easily adaptable to different 6G network environments.
• Incentive Mechanism Design: The project outlines novel approaches for incentive-compatible mechanisms targeting both service providers and users. These mechanisms are designed to encourage the adoption of energy-efficient practices and technologies.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

EXIGENCE is developing innovative solutions for reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint in 6G and beyond. It focuses on open, interoperable approaches, and standardization through SDOs. The project is exploring incentive mechanisms for both service providers and users. The identification of key needs to ensure further uptake and success are not explicitly mentioned in the text.