Telecom networks significantly contribute to the carbon footprint of digital technology, with France’s major operators experiencing a consistent rise in electricity consumption. Bouygues Telecom is addressing this by partnering with Statkraft for solar energy, aiming for a substantial reduction in emissions by 2027. Similarly, Iliad is committing to solar energy through agreements with Engie and Statkraft, enhancing its renewable capacity. Regulatory pressures and consumer expectations are driving the telecom sector towards sustainability and reduced environmental impact.
Telecom Networks and Their Carbon Footprint
The impact of telecom networks on the carbon footprint of digital technology is significant, albeit on a smaller scale than terminal manufacturing or data center operations. In France, the combined electricity usage of the four leading telecom operators—Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and Free—has seen a steady increase, averaging 6% per year from 2017 to 2021. This rise has led to a total consumption of nearly 4 TWh, according to insights from The Shift Project.
Renewable Energy Initiatives by Bouygues Telecom
To address this environmental challenge, Bouygues Telecom is actively pursuing renewable energy solutions, notably through solar power. The company has recently finalized a ten-year agreement with Statkraft, a prominent Norwegian firm recognized as Europe’s leading producer of renewable energy.
Starting in early 2025, Bouygues Telecom will receive solar energy from two newly established photovoltaic plants in France, generating approximately 13 GWh annually. Additionally, by mid-2025, three more solar facilities will come online, bringing the total output to around 35 GWh per year.
By partnering with Statkraft, Bouygues Telecom opts for a stable and long-term supply arrangement known as a Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA). This contract structure ensures a fixed price and provides financial clarity for renewable energy developers, enabling them to secure funding for future solar projects.
Statkraft has been active in France for over 15 years, steadily expanding its portfolio of solar and wind energy installations. Following an impressive investment of over €2.6 billion in 2024, the Norwegian company, which employs around 7,000 people across more than 20 countries, is refocusing its efforts on its core European markets while divesting from assets in the Netherlands, Croatia, and India.
Bouygues Telecom views the adoption of renewable energy as a pivotal aspect of its climate strategy. With its carbon emission reduction targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), the operator aims for a 29.4% decrease in scopes 1 and 2 emissions and a 17.5% reduction in scope 3 emissions by 2027, using 2021 as the baseline year.
Iliad’s Commitment to Solar Energy
Following a similar trajectory, Iliad, the parent company of Free, has also embraced solar energy. In February, Iliad announced its own PPA contracts with Engie and Statkraft for renewable energy supply across its operational countries.
Photovoltaic farms will be developed in the municipalities of Sainte-Gemme (Charente-Maritime, France), Latina (Italy), and Resko (Poland), with Iliad committed to purchasing energy from these facilities for the next ten to fifteen years, beginning with their launch in 2025.
Including its first PPA for a solar park in Landes with Engie, Iliad’s renewable electricity production capacity is now close to 140 GWh—enough to meet the annual energy needs of a city like Quimper.
From a regulatory perspective, telecom operators must disclose their actions aimed at minimizing their environmental impact. The law enacted on November 15, 2021, aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of digital technology (REEN), mandates that electronic communications providers publish essential indicators reflecting their commitments to ecological transition.
Furthermore, “greening” telecom networks enhances corporate image. Strong environmental commitments can reassure consumers, particularly those from generations Y and Z, who are increasingly concerned about sustainability issues.