Implementation of solar panel systems and smart network management at base sites reflects M1’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050

M1 Limited (M1), one of Singapore’s leading mobile network operators, today announced its latest sustainability initiatives as the company ramps up efforts to decarbonise the telco industry. The greening of M1’s base transceiver stations (BTS) and implementation of smart network management technology which will reduce energy during low traffic periods, underscores M1’s commitment to minimising environmental impact and fostering a more sustainable digital future.

Greening of Base Sites

To date, M1 has installed solar panels at eight BTS sites across Singapore as part of its efforts to reduce the consumption of grid electricity and overall energy usage. These installations have resulted in an estimated 20% reduction in electricity consumption for each BTS site, translating to approximately 4,800 kWh per year per BTS site – the equivalent to more than 13 months of energy consumption in an average 4-room Singapore household^[1]. This comes in addition to the solar panels M1 has installed on Raffles Lighthouse and St John Island to support the energy consumption requirement for its mobile network.

The implementation of solar panels at BTS sites is a significant first step in M1’s journey towards decarbonising its network operations. By harnessing solar power, M1 aims to reduce its reliance on non-renewable energy sources and contribute to a more sustainable telco industry. M1 intends to add solar panels to another 10 sites in 2025, and will continue to monitor green technology trends and conduct trials to increase its green energy usage

Smart Network Management for Energy Reduction

M1 has earlier completed its pilot trial for the adoption of smart network management technology to reduce energy consumption during low traffic periods. The technology aimed to decrease 4G radio network electricity consumption by dynamically adjusting the power consumption of network elements based on real-time traffic conditions.

Based on initial assessments from the trial, results indicate potential energy savings of up to 300,000 kWh per year across M1’s network. The smart network management technology has since been implemented across M1’s 4G network in July 2024.

“The road to greater sustainability in telecommunications begins with robust infrastructure,” said Denis Seek, Chief Technical Officer, M1. “By integrating innovative technological solutions like Smart Network Power Management and renewable energy sources such as solar power, M1 is paving the way for a more eco-friendly telco industry. Our blueprint for the future network is inked in green, demonstrating our commitment to reducing environmental impact and driving sustainable growth.” 

Sustainability Report 2023

M1 also presents its Sustainability Report 2023, which outlines the telco’s ongoing and future sustainability initiatives. Key highlights from the report include:

• Energy Usage: M1 recorded a 3.2% reduction in total energy consumption compared to 2022 through the overhaul and upgrade of equipment and building infrastructure to more energy-efficient alternatives.
• Carbon Footprint: M1 reduced its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 22.4% year on year and 57.0% compared to its 2020 base year.  22.9% of M1’s electricity consumption came from renewable sources in 2023, and a significant increase compared to 0.6% in 2022. M1 also replaced four diesel vans with electric vans.
• Water Usage: M1 attained a NEWater/potable water ratio of 61:39, in line with its 60:40 target ratio, reflecting M1’s plans to utilise NEWater where possible.
• Other: 86.6% of M1’s customer base now receives electronic bills, highlighting the telco’s efforts towards reducing paper usage and promoting digital solutions.

Driven by a commitment to environmental sustainability, M1 will continue to increase the use of renewable sources as well as reduce carbon emissions and other environmental impacts across its value chain. In 2024 and beyond, M1’s key targets include:

• Having at least 30% of electricity consumption from renewable sources in 2024;
• Aiming for half of the company’s electricity consumption to come from renewable energy sources by 2025;
• Aligning with Keppel’s target of halving Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030, and achieving net zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2050. This includes minimising increase in energy usage, despite the expansion of M1’s communications networks and service offers.

M1 has adopted the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) ICT sector guidance and is committed to reducing its absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 46.2%, and its absolute Scope 3 emissions from purchased goods and services, capital goods, and upstream leased assets by 42% by 2030, from a 2020 base year. These science-based targets were validated by SBTi in June 2022. 

Notably, M1 was recognised in the third edition of the Asia-Pacific Climate Leaders 2024 list. This list, a joint initiative by the Financial Times and Statista, spotlights companies across Asia Pacific that have successfully reduced their core greenhouse gas emissions relative to revenue and fulfilled other climate-related criteria.

As part of Keppel, a global asset manager and operator with deep operating capabilities in the areas of infrastructure, real estate and connectivity, M1’s approach to sustainability is aligned with Keppel’s sustainability strategy. Through its initiatives, M1 aims to create innovative and sustainable information and communications technology (ICT) business solutions on a cloud-native connectivity platform.

To learn more about M1’s commitment to sustainability and detailed initiatives, download its Corporate Sustainability Report here.

- End -

About M1

M1, a subsidiary of Keppel Ltd., is Singapore’s first digital network operator, providing a suite of communications services, including mobile, fixed line and fibre offerings, to over two million customers.

Since the launch of its commercial services in 1997, M1 has achieved many firsts – becoming one of the first operators to be awarded one of Singapore’s two nationwide 5G standalone network licences, first operator to offer nationwide 4G service, as well as ultra high-speed fixed broadband, fixed voice and other services on the Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (NGNBN). 

M1’s mission is to drive transformation and evolution in Singapore’s telecommunications landscape through cutting-edge technology and made-to-measure offerings. For more information, visit m1.com.sg

[1] Average 4-room Singapore household energy consumption in 2023 stands at 353.3 kWh per month (Energy Market Authority, 2023)