El Use of Energy in Digital Society
Grupo de Medio Ambiente de Telefónica I + D Este artículo es una versión editada del original que fue publicado en AHCIET Revista de Telecomunicaciones, no. 109. (enero-marzo/2007). La Secretaría de Información de AHCIET cedió amablemente sus derechos.
Abstract
It is evident that telecommunications are closely linked to energy; so, an analysis of its environmental impact needs to study its effect on energy demand. This article examines telecommunications and information technologies impact on energy consumption, particularly electrical energy consumption, which is the most significant due to the increasing number and use of electrical equipment at home, industries, stores, offices, etc. Electrical energy consumption associated to the increase of the required infrastructure for communications; importance of renewable energy exploitation to contribute to a more rational energy use; systematic work to improve energy efficiency of communication networks and equipment; directions towards a better control and diversification of the electrical network and the role of Internet as a new and dominating social environment are some of the aspects covered in this article.
