We all know that network energy usage is extremely high and growing!
Did you know that just powering up the wireless access networks consumes almost 100TWh/year (2020) and that it can be compared with the entire electricity use in Sweden (130TWh/year)? It is estimated to grow 2-4 times by 2030 according to Anders S.G. Andrae, a well-cited scientist in his paper "New perspectives on internet electricity use in 2030". Figures like this indicate that we have a huge problem but also a huge potential to reduce global emissions. What strikes me the most is that Anders claims that we overestimate the power saving potential in the next decade.
What can we do?
I want to prove him wrong and challenge the Automation Developer Community to innovate and collaborate more. My colleagues and I strongly believe in the potential of Network Automation and need your help to drive Network Sustainability. More precisely we need examples of use cases that we can co-develop together with you. We introduced Sustainability as a new topic on the agenda at Automation Developer Days in May. I am now launching a "3-Quick-Question" Survey to probe your appetite to continue this work. If we get concrete input, I will make sure we set up workshops and hackathons or whatever we find needed to take the next step! I am committed to make difference, are you?
Join the movement and answer the questions below!