GCC Telecom Operators Drive Toward Net-Zero Carbon Emissions
Telecom operators in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) — including Ooredoo, e&, Beyon, Du, STC, Zain, and Omantel — are leading a collective effort to cut carbon emissions and accelerate sustainability in the region’s digital infrastructure. These operators have formed the GCC Sustainability Innovation Hub and, with the GSMA, released a landmark white paper outlining a unified strategy for achieving net-zero emissions.
Why This Matters
Climate science underscores the urgency of cutting greenhouse gas emissions: to limit global warming to 1.5 °C, emissions must fall drastically by 2030 and reach net zero around 2050. The telecom sector has a dual responsibility to:
Reduce its own operational footprint
Enable emissions reductions across other sectors (e.g., transport, utilities, agriculture) through digital technologies such as 5G and IoT.
Key Framework: White Paper Highlights
The white paper “Green Shoots: A New Model for Renewables from the GCC” sets a roadmap that includes:
1. Interim Emission Targets
Aim to cut operational emissions by 50% by 2030 using renewable energy and energy-efficient infrastructure.
2. Supply Chain Decarbonization
Encouraging vendors and partners to adopt greener practices.
3. Circular Economy Practices
Recycling and reusing telecom equipment to reduce e-waste.
4. Technology Enablement
Leveraging 5G, IoT, AI, and machine learning for smarter energy management, optimized networks, and green data centres powered by renewables.
Real-World Progress by Operators
Several GCC operators have already taken significant steps:
e& has deployed solar-powered base stations and AI-managed energy systems, reducing network consumption.
STC is investing in energy-efficient data centres and targets 50% renewable energy by 2030.
Zain Group runs e-waste recycling programs and explores blockchain for carbon tracking.
Additional progress includes:
du cutting over 8,600 tCO₂ via solar sites and AI cooling optimization, plus circular economy programs.
Omantel achieving measurable reductions through renewable energy certificates and setting net-zero targets.
Collaborative Initiatives Beyond the White Paper
The Innovation Hub has also catalysed:
Region’s first Sustainability Hackathon, encouraging AI-driven energy solutions, e-waste management, and renewable deployment.
Partnerships with tech vendors like Ericsson to co-develop sustainable network technologies.
These initiatives span 39 subsidiaries across 33 countries, aiming to scale sustainability solutions across broader telecom ecosystems.
Wider Impact
By integrating low-carbon digital technologies, GCC telecoms are enabling:
Smart cities with IoT-enabled energy grids
Efficient agriculture with resource optimization
Intelligent transport systems reducing congestion-related emissions
These ripple effects highlight telecoms’ role not only as service providers but as accelerators of regional decarbonization.
Challenges Ahead
Achieving net-zero in the GCC isn’t without obstacles, such as:
Fossil fuel dependency and rapidly rising digital energy demand
Supply chain emissions alignment
Diverse regulatory environments across member states
Addressing these will require coordinated policy frameworks and continued industry collaboration.
Bottom Line
The GCC’s telecom industry is emerging as a regional leader in climate action, with clear commitments, collaborative structures, and measurable sustainability initiatives. By integrating renewables, optimizing with advanced tech, and fostering partnerships, GCC operators are setting a blueprint for telecom-driven decarbonization consistent with global climate goals.
Get Started on Your Net Zero Goals
Ready to make your operations more sustainable? Contact us today to discuss your net-zero goals and discover how your business can take meaningful climate action.
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