stc and Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly explore sustainable initiatives to power the stc network infrastructure with intelligent and renewable energy. The partnership will further explore other Information and Communication Technology (ICT) green-site solutions and sustainability initiatives for the Kingdom.

As part of the partnership, Ericsson will use its expertise to provide the most energy-efficient strategies to the stc network to positively contribute to society.

Under the first phase of the MoU, stc and Ericsson will deploy several sustainable site solutions that will showcase how renewable energy can power networks of the future. Collaborations will include implementing a solar-hybrid site and initiatives to reduce Carbon dioxide emissions, which will help preserve the environment.

Saudi Vision 2030 calls for a mix of renewable and non-renewable energy sources to meet the increasing energy demand driven by the growing networks and technologies. The MoU aims to accelerate the stride towards incorporating green innovation in network operations in light of the expected increase in energy demand.

Abdulla Alkanhl, Chief Corporate Affairs at stc says: “stc has had a long tradition of adopting a progressive mindset towards the development and deployment of transformative technologies such as 5G. We continue to do this as part of our commitment to being the digital enabler of Saudi Arabia. With this new MoU, we work yet again with Ericsson to push the ICT industry’s boundaries and focus on ensuring a sustainable, environmentally-viable future while providing our customers with unparalleled connectivity in the Kingdom.”

Mathias Johansson, Vice President and Head of Saudi Arabia and Egypt, Ericsson Middle East and Africa says: “Ericsson’s broad range of solutions make it easy to meet traffic growth and lower mobile network energy consumption from today’s level. Together with stc, we will be working on diversifying the energy sources, reducing carbon dioxide emissions, and exploring initiatives for operating networks with an efficient and intelligent energy perspective. ICT has a unique potential to enable the move towards a low-carbon economy and we are happy to join forces with stc to help them achieve the sustainability ambitions of the Saudi Vision 2030.”

Photo caption:

Ericsson CEO, BorjeEkholm (left), meets with stc Group CEO, Olayan M. Alwetaid (right), during his visit to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia attending the signing ceremony with stc.