Eurescom Message Interview with SUSTAIN-6G Project Manager: “Ask the experts: from Vision to Practice”

In a compelling discussion featured in Eurescom Message, Lars Christoph Schmelz, Nokia’s Project Manager for the Horizon Europe Sustainability Lighthouse project “SUSTAIN-6G,” provides a deep dive into the integration of sustainability into 6G technology. His insights shed light on how the next-generation mobile network can be designed to be both powerful and environmentally responsible.

Sustainability as a Core Value

The development of 6G must take a “sustainable by design” approach, Schmelz emphasizes. This means balancing user demands with a commitment to reducing environmental impact while ensuring accessibility. Unlike previous generations of mobile technology, 6G has the opportunity to embed sustainability from its inception, creating a network that is both efficient and equitable.

Lessons from 5G: A Simplified, Efficient, and Secure Future

Reflecting on the evolution from 5G, Schmelz highlights key priorities for 6G development:

Simplicity: Ensuring that network complexity does not spiral out of control, making 6G easier to deploy and maintain.
Energy Efficiency: Power consumption must be optimized, incorporating renewable energy solutions and low-energy components.
Security by Design: Protecting users and industries through robust security measures embedded from the start.

AI’s Role: A Double-Edged Sword

Artificial intelligence (AI) will play a crucial role in optimizing 6G operations, improving network efficiency, and enabling intelligent decision-making. However, Schmelz cautions that AI’s energy demands must be carefully managed to ensure that its benefits do not come at a high environmental cost. A balanced approach will be necessary to harness AI’s power while mitigating excessive energy consumption.

Bridging the Digital Divide

A major focus of SUSTAIN-6G is ensuring that 6G technology is inclusive. The project aims to bridge the digital divide by expanding access to under-represented communities through education programs and affordable connectivity solutions. The future of mobile communications should serve all users, regardless of geography or socio-economic status.

About SUSTAIN-6G

SUSTAIN-6G takes a holistic approach to sustainability in ICT, considering both the environmental footprint of technology and its potential to drive positive change. The project is dedicated to:

Creating sustainable end-to-end processes.
Assessing trade-offs between sustainability goals.
Evaluating the life-cycle impact of network components.

With the right strategies, 6G can become a powerful tool in reducing emissions and improving socio-economic outcomes worldwide.

For a deeper dive into Lars Christoph Schmelz’s insights and the work of SUSTAIN-6G, explore the full interview in Eurescom Message: Read Here.