{"id":26018,"date":"2026-07-14T10:00:42","date_gmt":"2026-07-14T09:00:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/newsroom\/?p=26018"},"modified":"2026-07-17T10:52:24","modified_gmt":"2026-07-17T09:52:24","slug":"access-to-renewable-energy-critical-to-keep-mobile-industry-on-track-for-net-zero-new-gsma-report-finds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/newsroom\/press-release\/access-to-renewable-energy-critical-to-keep-mobile-industry-on-track-for-net-zero-new-gsma-report-finds\/","title":{"rendered":"Access to renewable energy critical to keep mobile industry on track for net zero, new GSMA report finds\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Mobile operators cut operational emissions by 13% since 2019 despite mobile connections rising by 10% and data traffic more than quadrupling, but faster access to clean energy is needed to accelerate progress.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

14th July 2026, London:<\/strong> Mobile network operators worldwide are making significant progress in reducing carbon emissions, but greater access to renewable energy \u2013 particularly in emerging markets \u2013 will be essential if the industry is to meet its climate targets and remain on track to achieve net zero by 2050, according to the GSMA\u2019s new Mobile Net Zero 2026: State of the Industry on Climate Action<\/strong><\/a> report. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The report, which analyses energy and emissions data from more than 110 mobile operators representing 85% of global mobile connections, shows that the industry\u2019s operational emissions fell by 5% in 2024 alone and by 13% between 2019 and 2024. This has been achieved despite mobile connections increasing by 10% and data traffic more than quadrupling over the same period. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The findings highlight how energy efficiency improvements, network modernisation and increased use of renewable energy are helping operators reduce both emissions and operating costs. However, while emissions are falling across every region of the world, the report warns that progress must accelerate further if the sector is to achieve the 45% emissions reduction required by 2030 under the industry\u2019s science-based pathway. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Renewable energy remains the single biggest driver of emissions reductions. Operators purchased or generated around 70 TWh of renewable electricity in 2024, equivalent to the total renewable electricity generation of Indonesia. The share of operator electricity sourced from renewables (in addition to renewables already in the grid mix) has more than doubled since 2019, from 10% to 24%. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The report recommends that governments play a critical enabling role in accelerating the transition by creating policy environments that encourage investment in renewable energy and grids, modernising electricity markets to improve corporate access to renewables, and streamlining permitting processes to accelerate clean energy deployment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

John Giusti, Chief Regulatory Officer at the GSMA, said:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The mobile industry continues to demonstrate that economic growth, digital connectivity and climate action can go hand in hand. Operators are connecting more people, carrying more data and supporting digital economies around the world while still reducing emissions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe progress we are seeing is encouraging, but more needs to be done. Access to renewable energy remains one of the biggest factors determining how quickly operators can decarbonise. Policymakers have a vital role in creating the conditions that enable investment in clean energy infrastructure and accelerate the transition to net zero. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMobile networks are critical infrastructure for modern societies and economies. Ensuring they can access affordable, reliable renewable energy will not only help reduce emissions, but also strengthen energy security, improve resilience and support sustainable economic growth.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key findings from the report:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n