Mobile Industry Needs More Renewable Energy Access to Meet Net-Zero Goals
Global mobile industry emissions are decreasing, but improved access to renewable energy is critical for accelerating progress towards net-zero targets, according to a new GSMA report.
Mobile operators worldwide are making progress in reducing carbon emissions, but enhanced access to renewable energy, particularly in emerging markets, is crucial for the industry to stay on track to meet its net-zero by 2050 climate goals. This is highlighted in a new report by the GSMA, titled 'Mobile Net Zero 2026: State of the Industry on Climate Action'.
The report, analyzing energy and emissions data from over 110 mobile operators representing 85% of global connections, reveals that the industry's operational emissions fell by 5% in 2024 alone and 13% between 2019 and 2024. This occurred despite a 10% increase in mobile connections and a more than fourfold rise in data traffic during the same period.
Renewable energy remains the single most significant factor in emissions reduction. Operators procured or generated approximately 70 TWh of renewable electricity in 2024. The share of renewable electricity procured by operators has more than doubled from 10% in 2019 to 24% in 2024.
"Progress is encouraging, but more needs to be done. Access to renewable energy remains one of the most critical factors determining how quickly operators can decarbonise," said John Giusti, Chief Regulatory Officer at GSMA. He added that policymakers play a crucial role in creating frameworks that enable clean energy infrastructure investment and accelerate the transition to net-zero.
The report recommends that governments accelerate the transition by creating policy frameworks that promote investment in renewable energy and grids, modernize electricity markets to improve corporate access to renewables, and streamline permitting processes for clean energy deployment. This is essential for the mobile industry to maintain its path toward climate neutrality.