Connection

popular articles

Offshore drilling failure for Equinor in Argentina
Suncor Energy expects to exceed 2024 production targets
Shandong refineries face crude shortage and rising costs
Philippines Launch Major 9 GW Energy Auction for 2029
Nepal: BG Titan Group and BB Holding sign 650 MW hydropower MOU

Telecom and data centre emissions rise 7% in France in 2023

Telecom operators and data centres recorded a rise in greenhouse gas emissions in 2023, diverging from the national decline reported during the same year.

Please share:

Greenhouse gas emissions produced by major telecom operators and data centres in France increased by 7% in 2023, according to a report published by the Autorité de régulation des communications électroniques, des postes et de la distribution de la presse (Arcep) on April 17. This rise occurred despite a nationwide decrease in emissions of 5.8% over the same period.

Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom and Free collectively emitted 397,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent, representing a 4% increase compared to 2022. According to the figures provided, this amount is equivalent to 225 round-trip flights between Paris and New York. The increase reflects both direct and indirect emissions, driven largely by greater energy consumption from mobile networks.

Rising pressure on mobile networks

Electricity consumption by telecom infrastructure reached 4.1 terawatt hours (TWh) in 2023, a 2% year-on-year increase. This trend stems from a 6% rise in energy use across mobile networks, while fixed-line networks saw a 14% reduction. The growth in data traffic, fuelled by widespread digital usage and the rollout of 5G, has been a key factor.

Arcep noted that the expanding demand for mobile connectivity, combined with heavier usage from video streaming and real-time communication, continues to place significant strain on existing infrastructure. The expansion of network capacity and antenna densification further amplify the sector’s energy burden.

Data centres report double-digit growth

Data centres, which provide the computing power essential for large-scale information processing, recorded an 11% increase in greenhouse gas emissions in 2023. This change reflects a substantial rise in electricity consumption required to support these facilities’ operations.

In parallel, the volume of water withdrawn by data centres reached 681,000 cubic metres in 2023, mostly sourced from potable water. This represents a 19% year-on-year increase and marks the second consecutive year of significant growth. The rise is mainly attributed to heightened cooling requirements for IT equipment.

According to the Agence de la transition écologique (Ademe), the digital sector accounted for 4.4% of France’s national carbon footprint in 2022. This figure may evolve if current energy consumption trends persist in the coming years.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Latest news

EDF and Power Sustainable finalise financing for Desert Quartzite solar project
Decline in European and American funding: threat to Africa’s transition
Vinci enters a new era as Xavier Huillard steps down from chief executive role
Vietnam quadruples solar and wind targets in revised energy plan
France grants €100 mn to Gen-Hy for upcoming electrolyser plant

Recently published in

Microsoft signs record 6.75 Mt carbon removal deal with AtmosClear

Fidelis Infrastructure has entered a 15-year agreement with Microsoft to supply biomass-based carbon capture solutions in Baton Rouge, marking the world’s largest permanent carbon removal transaction to date.
Denmark grants Norne an exploration licence for CO₂ storage
The Danish government has granted Norne Thorning Storage an exploration licence to assess the Thorning geological structure for potential underground carbon dioxide storage by 2030.
en_1140290961540-6
Denmark grants Norne an exploration licence for CO₂ storage
The Danish government has granted Norne Thorning Storage an exploration licence to assess the Thorning geological structure for potential underground carbon dioxide storage by 2030.
en_1140290961540-6
Gevo signs offtake deal with Future Energy Global for SAF-related carbon credits
Gevo and Future Energy Global have signed a multi-year agreement covering carbon credits from sustainable aviation fuels, supporting the construction of a new production facility in the United States.
en_1140290948540-6
Gevo signs offtake deal with Future Energy Global for SAF-related carbon credits
Gevo and Future Energy Global have signed a multi-year agreement covering carbon credits from sustainable aviation fuels, supporting the construction of a new production facility in the United States.
en_1140290948540-6
China and India urge BRICS to counter unilateral carbon mechanisms and tariffs
In Brasilia, China and India urged BRICS members to resist carbon taxes and trade measures imposed without international consensus, calling for stronger existing multilateral frameworks.
en_1140290955540-4
China and India urge BRICS to counter unilateral carbon mechanisms and tariffs
In Brasilia, China and India urged BRICS members to resist carbon taxes and trade measures imposed without international consensus, calling for stronger existing multilateral frameworks.
en_1140290955540-4

Subsea7 secures contract up to $150M for Northern Lights in Norway

Subsea7 has been awarded a major contract by Equinor for Phase 2 of the Northern Lights project, involving the installation of a CO2 pipeline offshore Norway, with operations scheduled for 2026 and 2027.
The decarbonisation market will surpass $4.7tn by 2033
Driven by investment in low-carbon technologies, the global decarbonisation market is expected to reach $4.7tn by 2033, according to Allied Market Research, with an average annual growth rate of 8.1%.
en_1140290952540-22
The decarbonisation market will surpass $4.7tn by 2033
Driven by investment in low-carbon technologies, the global decarbonisation market is expected to reach $4.7tn by 2033, according to Allied Market Research, with an average annual growth rate of 8.1%.
en_1140290952540-22
Northern Lights to invest €660 mn to triple annual CO2 storage capacity
Norwegian joint venture Northern Lights, backed by Equinor, Shell and TotalEnergies, will invest NOK7.5bn to expand its CO2 storage infrastructure following a new industrial contract signed in Sweden.
en_1140290972540
Northern Lights to invest €660 mn to triple annual CO2 storage capacity
Norwegian joint venture Northern Lights, backed by Equinor, Shell and TotalEnergies, will invest NOK7.5bn to expand its CO2 storage infrastructure following a new industrial contract signed in Sweden.
en_1140290972540
Mitsubishi partners with Alt Carbon to industrialise CO2 removal in South Asia
Japanese conglomerate Mitsubishi Corporation has entered into a strategic partnership with Alt Carbon to scale up carbon dioxide removal across South Asia through an emerging mineral-based technology.
en_1140290956540-17
Mitsubishi partners with Alt Carbon to industrialise CO2 removal in South Asia
Japanese conglomerate Mitsubishi Corporation has entered into a strategic partnership with Alt Carbon to scale up carbon dioxide removal across South Asia through an emerging mineral-based technology.
en_1140290956540-17

Carbon prices rise in the UK and EU, driven by gas and ETS linkage talks

British and European carbon markets extended gains, boosted by geopolitical tensions and prospects of aligning emissions trading systems.
California commissions Carbon Mapper to monitor methane emissions via satellite
Carbon Mapper and Planet Labs PBC will provide satellite data to California in support of a public programme targeting emission reductions in high-intensity sectors.
en_1140290958540-16
California commissions Carbon Mapper to monitor methane emissions via satellite
Carbon Mapper and Planet Labs PBC will provide satellite data to California in support of a public programme targeting emission reductions in high-intensity sectors.
en_1140290958540-16
Launch of an initiative to standardize carbon market data
A coalition of 30 companies and public organizations has launched an initiative to establish a standardized protocol for carbon credit data, aiming to improve transparency and accelerate the growth of carbon markets.
en_1140290956540-13
Launch of an initiative to standardize carbon market data
A coalition of 30 companies and public organizations has launched an initiative to establish a standardized protocol for carbon credit data, aiming to improve transparency and accelerate the growth of carbon markets.
en_1140290956540-13
CO2 capture in the United States adjusts its strategy under the Trump administration
Amid political uncertainty, CO2 capture players in the United States are shifting their messaging to safeguard the tax incentives crucial to their survival. The sector is now focusing on economic and strategic arguments to persuade the government.
en_1140290949540-11
CO2 capture in the United States adjusts its strategy under the Trump administration
Amid political uncertainty, CO2 capture players in the United States are shifting their messaging to safeguard the tax incentives crucial to their survival. The sector is now focusing on economic and strategic arguments to persuade the government.
en_1140290949540-11

8 Rivers and Wood advance on a carbon capture project in Wyoming

8 Rivers Capital has entrusted Wood with the preliminary engineering and design phase of a carbon capture project in Wyoming. This project, carried out with PacifiCorp, aims to modernize an existing power plant by integrating a technology utilizing supercritical CO₂.
The price of carbon in Europe falls, a possible upswing intrigues the markets
Recent movements in Europe’s carbon market have generated keen interest among investors. The price has experienced a notable decline, fueling questions about the forces that could trigger a potential rebound. -
en_1140290951540-6
The price of carbon in Europe falls, a possible upswing intrigues the markets
Recent movements in Europe’s carbon market have generated keen interest among investors. The price has experienced a notable decline, fueling questions about the forces that could trigger a potential rebound. -
en_1140290951540-6
EU carbon prices fall after Brussels proposes changes to the CBAM
EU carbon permit prices declined at the end of February, influenced by market developments in gas and investor adjustments. Brussels' proposal concerning the CBAM has so far had little impact on market prices.
en_1140290947540-2
EU carbon prices fall after Brussels proposes changes to the CBAM
EU carbon permit prices declined at the end of February, influenced by market developments in gas and investor adjustments. Brussels' proposal concerning the CBAM has so far had little impact on market prices.
en_1140290947540-2
Baker Hughes and Frontier Infrastructure launch a partnership for carbon storage in the United States
Baker Hughes and Frontier Infrastructure have announced a strategic partnership to accelerate the development of carbon storage and energy production projects in the United States, aimed at supporting the growing needs of data centres and industrial emitters.
en_1140290946540-2
Baker Hughes and Frontier Infrastructure launch a partnership for carbon storage in the United States
Baker Hughes and Frontier Infrastructure have announced a strategic partnership to accelerate the development of carbon storage and energy production projects in the United States, aimed at supporting the growing needs of data centres and industrial emitters.
en_1140290946540-2

First CO₂ Injection Test for Storage in the North Sea ##

Perenco and its partners launch the first UK test for CO₂ injection into a depleted gas reservoir in the North Sea. This experimental phase aims to provide crucial data for the long-term geological storage of CO₂. ##
Captura launches a direct ocean capture pilot plant in Hawaii
Captura, in collaboration with Equinor, has commissioned a new pilot facility in Kona, Hawaii, capable of capturing 1,000 tons of CO₂ per year. This milestone marks a key step toward the large-scale deployment of Direct Ocean Capture (DOC) technology.
en_1140290959540-5
Captura launches a direct ocean capture pilot plant in Hawaii
Captura, in collaboration with Equinor, has commissioned a new pilot facility in Kona, Hawaii, capable of capturing 1,000 tons of CO₂ per year. This milestone marks a key step toward the large-scale deployment of Direct Ocean Capture (DOC) technology.
en_1140290959540-5
Lydian accelerates innovation with a CO2-based sustainable aviation fuel technology demonstration
Lydian takes a strategic step forward by demonstrating a technology that uses captured CO2 and renewable electricity to produce sustainable aviation fuel, addressing both civil market demands and critical military needs.
en_1140290974540
Lydian accelerates innovation with a CO2-based sustainable aviation fuel technology demonstration
Lydian takes a strategic step forward by demonstrating a technology that uses captured CO2 and renewable electricity to produce sustainable aviation fuel, addressing both civil market demands and critical military needs.
en_1140290974540
New Equations to Manage Biomass and Accelerate Mopane Decarbonization
A study published in Scientific Reports reveals new allometric equations dedicated to Colophospermum mopane. These models aim to better manage biomass and encourage decarbonization practices for economic players in the forestry sector.
en_1140290968540
New Equations to Manage Biomass and Accelerate Mopane Decarbonization
A study published in Scientific Reports reveals new allometric equations dedicated to Colophospermum mopane. These models aim to better manage biomass and encourage decarbonization practices for economic players in the forestry sector.
en_1140290968540

The Clipper Eris becomes the first vessel capable of storing its CO2 at sea

A Norwegian shipowner has equipped an ethylene carrier with an onboard CO2 capture and storage system. The initiative could reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 70%.
A 200,000-ton CO₂ capture contract signed between Gigablue and SkiesFifty
Gigablue and SkiesFifty collaborate to capture 200,000 tons of CO₂ through innovative marine solutions, strengthening aviation's net-zero ambitions.
en_11401266540
A 200,000-ton CO₂ capture contract signed between Gigablue and SkiesFifty
Gigablue and SkiesFifty collaborate to capture 200,000 tons of CO₂ through innovative marine solutions, strengthening aviation's net-zero ambitions.
en_11401266540
The United States Increases Carbon Capture Capacity to 200 Million Tons
The Gulf Coast of the United States is developing carbon capture projects to decarbonize its heavy industries, but regulatory and financial challenges are slowing implementation.
en_11401027540
The United States Increases Carbon Capture Capacity to 200 Million Tons
The Gulf Coast of the United States is developing carbon capture projects to decarbonize its heavy industries, but regulatory and financial challenges are slowing implementation.
en_11401027540
Chevron obtains a permit in Australia to explore CO₂ storage over 2,222 km²
Chevron and its partners, Shell and Mobil, are exploring the geological storage of CO₂ off the coast of Australia, a key project for emissions management in the Carnarvon Basin.
en_1140942540
Chevron obtains a permit in Australia to explore CO₂ storage over 2,222 km²
Chevron and its partners, Shell and Mobil, are exploring the geological storage of CO₂ off the coast of Australia, a key project for emissions management in the Carnarvon Basin.
en_1140942540

Advertising

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

VERVANT

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS