Observed Signal · Oct 30, 2023 · Research Study · Source: Trending Topics · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Negative
ICT Experts Warn CO2 Emissions Could Rise 50% by 2030
Researchers from several Fraunhofer and Leibniz Institutes published alarming forecasts from their ongoing study on the carbon footprint of ICT in Germany. The study projects that by 2030, over 30 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent greenhouse gases could be emitted in the application areas of telecommunications, data centers, and households alone - an increase of about 50 percent compared to 2021 levels. Around two-thirds of these emissions are attributed to the use of artificial intelligence, streaming, smart homes, and similar applications. The study, 'Carbon Footprint der IKT in Deutschland', was presented by Nils F. Nissen at the MikroSystemTechnik-Kongress 2023. It analyzes emissions based on device stock numbers and energy consumption during production and use phases. Production of ICT devices accounts for roughly 11 million tonnes, about one-third of total emissions. Researchers plan to expand the study to include commercial trade, building automation, and IoT applications.
Highlights significant projected growth in carbon emissions from ICT infrastructure including data centers and streaming, relevant to sustainability planning across the digital media and advertising supply chain.
Track Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft Signals & Market Shifts in Real-Time
Polaris7 autonomous intelligence agents track regulatory filings, primary sources, executive changes, and deal flow 24/7. Create your free Explorer workspace to monitor these entities.
Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Study projects ICT CO2 emissions in Germany could rise ~50% by 2030 compared to 2021 levels.
- Over 30 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent could be emitted in telecom, data centers, and households by 2030.
- Two-thirds of emissions are attributed to AI, streaming, and smart home usage.
- ICT production accounts for roughly 11 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent, about one-third of emissions.
- Study 'Carbon Footprint der IKT in Deutschland' was presented by Nils F. Nissen at MikroSystemTechnik-Kongress 2023.
Connected Companies & Entities
1 Entity mapped“Expert:innen für ressourcenbewusste Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologien (IKT) mehrerer Fraunhofer- und Leibniz-Institute haben verg...”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Fraunhofer auf der Bits & Pretzels 2026
Deutschland investiert mit der Hightech-Agenda Milliarden in Schlüsseltechnologien. Aber die entscheidende Frage lautet: Wie werden daraus erfolgreiche Unternehmen? Genau das steht im Mittelpunkt des Fraunhofer-Auftritts auf der Bits & Pretzels vom 28. bis 30. September in München.
Global Low-Carbon Forum Explores Grid-Forming and AI Energy Solutions
On September 15, 2026, the Global Low-Carbon Industry Forum was held in Shenzhen, co-hosted by Huawei Digital Power, the Global Solar Council, China Energy Research Society, and other organizations. The event spotlighted the fusion of grid-forming technology with AI to tackle global energy challenges, including system safety, supply security, and electricity access, especially for the nearly 700 million people without power. Key highlights included the launch of the Global Joint Initiative on Grid Forming & AI to accelerate standardization and deployment, and Huawei's introduction of FusionSolar Agent, an AI-based solution for smart power plant management. Notable projects featured the MTerra Solar Grid-Forming PV+ESS project in the Philippines (3.5 GW PV and 4.5 GWh storage, Phase 1 complete) and Europe's first megawatt-level grid-forming test with Fraunhofer IWES. The forum underscored the role of renewable energy, storage, and AI in reshaping the global energy landscape.
EveryCarbon wins FLAIR subcontract to scale materials production
EveryCarbon, a manufacturer of high-performance shielding materials, has won a subcontract under the FLAIR project, led by TU Hamburg, to scale its circular diol production from lab to a 10,000-litre industrial pilot at Popp Feinkost. The project aims to validate the industrial-scale production of ECOne, a polyester insulation material, using food waste hydrolysate and existing infrastructure. This initiative supports the shift to fossil-independent manufacturing and involves partners such as the University of Hamburg and Fraunhofer IPA for monomer development and data analytics. The project is a multi-year effort to convert food-processing side-streams into functional materials.
Track Real-Time Market Signals & Shifts
Set up custom watchlists to receive automated, evidence-grounded executive digests whenever material signals or shifts occur across your tracked landscape.