Page 23 - SAMENA Trends - December 2023

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

stc Spearheads the Sustainability Innovation Hub as Part of the GCC Telco
Alliance

stc group, an engine of digital transforma- ogies, visionary experts, and collaborative ing sustainability objectives of the industry.
tion, has recently unveiled the Sustainabili- efforts to tackle one of the most critical The Sustainability Innovation Hub has been
ty Innovation Hub in collaboration with GCC challenges the telecom industry faces to- established with a clear set of objectives to
Telco Alliance members, including e&, Zain, day. The core objective of the Sustainabil- revolutionize the telecom industry's energy
Beyon, Omantel, du, Ooredoo and other key ity Innovation Hub is to devise and execute consumption and sustainability approach.
regional and international partners. This cutting-edge, economically viable, depend- The hub will foster a collaborative environ-
project focuses on tackling climate change able, and ecologically sound solutions for ment where telecom operators, technology
and enhancing the availability of affordable power generation by leveraging the poten- providers, and research institutes can share
and dependable energy sources. In light of tial of renewable energy sources, partic- knowledge, resources, and expertise, driv-
the significant transformation in the glob- ularly solar and wind energy. The hub will ing the development of innovative power
al energy landscape, telecom operators enable telecom operators to reduce reli- solutions tailored to the specific needs of
are actively exploring alternatives that can ance on traditional fuel sources and move the telecom industry. Equipped with state-
improve their energy efficiency and reduce toward a greener future. This transition will of-the-art facilities for prototyping, testing,
their carbon footprint. The Sustainability not only lead to substantial long-term cost and validating innovative power solutions
Innovation Hub aims to bridge the gap be- savings. Implementing this technology is using GCC telecom networks, the hub will
tween technology, telecom innovation, and crucial for its functional benefits and its accelerate the development cycle and en-
climate action for a low-carbon economy. role in promoting environmental protection. sure the effective implementation of new
It will bring together cutting-edge technol- Its integration is in line with the overarch- technologies within the industry. Recogniz-
ing the importance of skilled professionals
in driving innovation, the hub will offer train-
ing programs and workshops to enhance
the competencies of individuals involved in
designing, installing, and maintaining pow-
er solutions within the telecom sector. The
hub will actively seek collaborations and
partnerships with leading industry players,
government entities, and regulatory au-
thorities, fostering a supportive ecosystem
where knowledge sharing, best practices,
and standardization can flourish. These ob-
jectives underscore the Sustainability Inno-
vation Hub's commitment to transforming
the energy paradigm within the telecom
industry, paving the way for a more sustain-
able and environmentally conscious future.

e& Commits to Green Digital Action Initiative

e& announced that it is joining the Green Green Digital Action, launched at COP28, validated by the SBTi and aligned with a
Digital Action initiative convened by the focuses on decarbonizing the ICT sector 1.5°C trajectory. The Group also shares data
International Telecommunication Union and emphasizes digital technologies' on all Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions,
(ITU) with over 40 partners, marking crucial role in solving the climate crisis. It contributes to an ICT sector database of
another step towards e&'s strategy to aims to enhance collaboration, fast-track emission factors for products and services
achieve net-zero targets and support industry-wide commitments, and place as part of the Carbon Disclosure Project
efforts aimed at a sustainable future. The digital solutions at the forefront of climate (CDP), and participates in ITU-led working
new commitment bolsters e&'s efforts action. e& is already aligning itself with the groups. Harrison Lung, Group Chief
to being a part of the search for real-time commitments proposed by the initiative, Strategy Officer, e&, said: “Our commitment
solutions to combat climate change.The notably by setting science-based targets to the Green Digital Action track marks a

23 DECEMBER 2023