Introduction
The International Telecommunication Union is organizing a side event on
Unlocking the potential of digital technologies for a sustainable energy transition taking place on 6 July 2021 from 11h00 to 12h00 CEST. The event will be held during the
Vienna Energy Forum 2021 (VEF) (5-7 July 2021).
Digital technologies and innovations are playing an increasing important role in determining the success of energy transition across sectors and industries.
Artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, digital twins are among the digital technologies that are creating a foundation for digital communication. This is important as digital communication enables energy usage to be monitored and analyzed in near real-time, identifying usage patterns, peak demands and other determinants that help to optimize energy and operational efficiency and management.
Digitalization can contribute substantially to multiple aspects of energy transition from improving the accessibility and uptakes of renewable energy to supporting the process of carbon capture and storage.
However, there is a missing component to digital transformation, which is the environmental cost of operating these technologies from manufacturing to usage and end of life. The information and communication technology (ICT) sector, which is a key enabling sector for digital technology, currently accounts for roughly 1.4% of overall global emissions and the sector uses about 3.6% of the global electricity for its operation. Meanwhile, digital transformation continues to impact the energy sector and beyond. The global pandemic has only further accelerated this process.
If we were to fully realize the potential of digital technologies in accelerating the energy transition and enabling the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, it is important that the sustainability aspects of digital technologies are taken into consideration. Meaning, we need to take actions not only to limit the emissions of the ICT sector but to guide the sector to reach carbon neutrality through inclusive environmental standards and shifting towards the circular economy.
This side event will bring together experts from the energy sector to sharing their insights on the impacts digital transformation is having on the sector and tools such as standards can be leveraged to ensure the digitalization process itself is sustainable.
Objectives
The objectives of this side event is to highlight:
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The need to bring sustainability into digital transformation in order to maximize the positive impacts of digital technologies on the energy sector.
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The role of digital transformation and energy transition in achieving important global targets including the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement, consistent with the theme of the Vienna Energy Forum 2021.
- The role of inclusive and environmental international standards in supporting the ICT sector to achieve net-zero and help to facilitate a sustainable energy transition.
The event will gather experts from the energy sector who will share their experiences in leveraging digital technologies to accelerate the energy transition.
Register
Register
Draft programme
11:00 – 11:05 |
Opening Remarks
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Shuguang Qi, Acting chairman, ITU-T Study Group 5: Environment, climate change and circular economy and Vice Chief Engineer, CTTL of CAICT China
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11:05 – 11:55
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Session on Unlocking the potential of digital technologies for a sustainable energy transition
Moderator: Paolo Gemma, Chairman, Working Party 2, ITU-T Study Group 5: Environment, climate change and circular economy
Speakers:
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Shuguang Qi, Acting chairman, ITU-T Study Group 5: Environment, climate change and circular economy and Vice Chief Engineer, CTTL of CAICT China [Presentation]
- Xiao Wang, Programme Officer, UNEP DTU Partnership [Presentation]
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Vida Rozite, Programme Manager, International Energy Agency (IEA) [Presentation]
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Claudio Bianco, Environmental Efficiency R&D Engineer, TIM (Telecom Italia) [Presentation]
Questions & Answers
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11:55 – 12:00
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Closing Remarks
- Paolo Gemma, Chairman, Working Party 2, ITU-T Study Group 5: Environment, climate change and circular economy
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