Integration of Renewable Energy Sources into 5G Networks and Beyond

With the incredible upsurge of traffic demand in 5G scenarios, the need for extensively densified communication networks is currently leading to remarkably increase their overall energy consumption and the related operational cost. In this context, the integration of renewable energy (RE) results promising to support a sustainable shift towards future generation networks. However, the intermittent and unpredictable nature of RE generation poses relevant issues to be tackled when planning and operating a RE-powered communication network. This article discusses the main challenges raised by the integration of RE in 5G and beyond scenarios and the possible solutions to overcome criticalities that may hamper a sustainable deployment of next generation communication networks. First, the problem of properly dimensioning and displacing RE generators to power network nodes is addressed. Furthermore, the crucial role of implementing energy and radio resource management strategies to more efficiently exploit RE, enhance the renewable system feasibility, and improve the performance of the network operation is discussed. Moreover, new business models are analysed, raising from the possibility for RE-powered networks to dynamically interact with the Smart Grid to obtain mutual financial benefits, also based on energy trading, and to take advantage of the cooperation between different domains to achieve sustainability goals. A special focus is devoted to the key role played by Artificial Intelligence to support an effective operation of RE-powered networks, thanks to the provisioning of accurate predictions of RE availability, traffic load, and electricity prices, required to take timely and appropriate energy and resource management decisions. Finally, this article discusses how the integration of aerial networks to support on-ground mobile networks may contribute to enhance the feasibility of RE-powered communication networks and promote a sustainable transition towards the 6G era.