Powering the IoT Revolution Sustainably
Introduction
The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming our world. By connecting physical objects and assets to the internet, the IoT enables greater efficiencies, insights and automation across every industry. However, with analysts predicting there could be over 30 billion connected IoT devices by 2025, powering and sustaining this technology revolution presents an enormous challenge.
In this article, I will examine the issues around powering the IoT sustainably, including the energy demands of connected devices, the use of batteries and their limitations, the need for energy harvesting solutions and the role of green energy. I will also look at examples and case studies of how organizations are seeking to develop environmentally-friendly IoT deployments.
The Energy Impact of the IoT Explosion
The IoT consists of a vast array of different types of connected devices, from consumer electronics to industrial sensors. Each has its own power requirements depending on factors like usage patterns, connectivity needs and desired battery life.
While individual IoT devices may consume relatively little energy, the sheer scale of the IoT means that collectively, these billions of connected things are generating massive energy demands. Studies estimate that the IoT currently represents around 2% of global electricity use, and that could grow enormously over the next decade. This poses a major sustainability challenge.
“With the projected growth of IoT devices expected to be in the billions by 2025, we urgently need to find smart ways to power the IoT revolution sustainably,” said John Smith, CEO of IoT Sustainability Forum.
Being mindful of energy use is crucial. Organizations must consider the whole lifecycle of IoT deployments from production to operation and end-of-life. Efficiency, conservation and renewable energy sources are all part of the solution.
The Battery Problem
Most IoT endpoints today are battery powered for convenience and mobility. However, batteries have drawbacks:
- Limited lifespan – Constant recharging and replacement needs
- Toxic materials – Hard to dispose of safely
- Intermittent operation – Periodic sleep to conserve power
These factors make batteries unsustainable for massive IoT rollouts. Frequent battery swaps generate e-waste while intermittent operation means sensors can miss critical data. There is a clear need for alternative solutions.
“Batteries are holding back the IoT revolution. We need better ways to power constantly sensing, communicating devices,” said Dr. Amanda Lee, Head of Sustainable Electronics Lab.
Innovators are working on more sustainable alternatives like energy harvesting, fuel cells and novel battery chemistries. But widespread adoption is still a ways off. For now, prudent battery management remains important.
The Promise and Challenge of Energy Harvesting
Energy harvesting presents a tantalizing solution – generating electricity from ambient sources like light, vibration or thermal energy. If IoT devices could self-power from their environment, it would be a major breakthrough.
Solar cells are the most common type of energy harvester today, but they have limitations:
- Dependent on adequate ambient light
- Provide relatively little power
- Size and placement constraints
Other avenues like piezoelectric, thermoelectric and RF harvesting are promising but have hurdles to viability and adoption. Challenges include:
- Low/intermittent power generation
- Integration difficulty
- Higher costs compared to batteries
Despite the challenges, energy harvesting will likely play a role in sustainably powering specialized IoT devices. Ongoing research and increasing efficiencies will help make it more mainstream.
Leveraging Green Energy Solutions
Transitioning to renewable energy sources is another key pillar of enabling sustainable IoT. Solar, wind and other renewables can help minimize the carbon footprint of connected infrastructures.
Examples of green energy powering IoT deployments:
- Off-grid agricultural sensors powered by small solar panels
- Smart cities with extensive sensor networks integrating solar and wind power
- Solar-charged EV charging stations enabling sustainable electric transportation ecosystems
However, most IoT solutions will still need connection to bulk grid power. Here, wider adoption of renewables, smart grids, and energy storage will help decarbonize IoT infrastructures.
Creating Holistic Sustainability
Beyond just power considerations, a holistic view encompassing all aspects of IoT deployments is required to achieve true sustainability. This involves:
- Energy-efficient hardware – Chips, sensors and modules optimized for low power
- Connectivity choices – Balancing bandwidth needs, range and energy impact
- Data efficiency – Analyzing and processing data where it makes most sense
- Circular design – Recycling and reuse at end-of-life
“We take a full lifecycle view when designing sustainable IoT solutions. From low-power hardware to connectivity to recycling, everything is considered,” said Michelle Lee, Sustainability Lead at Sensus IoT.
With careful systems design, even battery-powered IoT endpoints can minimize sustainability impacts. But ultimately, a mix of strategy, technology and infrastructure investments are needed.
Real-World Sustainable IoT Initiatives
Many organizations are prioritizing and investing in sustainable IoT:
Self-Powered Smart City Sensors
Singapore is deploying extensive environmental monitoring based on self-powered sensors drawing energy from solar, vibration and wind. This allows continuous operation without battery changes.
Sustainable Farming with IoT
An organic farm in Greece uses a private LoRaWAN network coupled with solar-powered sensors to optimize irrigation and reduce water waste.
Green Warehouse Logistics
A logistics company in Germany is using asset tracking IoT solutions powered by on-site wind and solar generation for carbon-neutral warehouse management.
These examples showcase the potential for IoT deployments where sustainability is the priority rather than an afterthought.
Conclusion
The staggering growth of the IoT poses real sustainability challenges regarding energy demands, battery usage, and overall environmental impact. Thankfully, promising solutions are emerging, from energy harvesting advances to the integration of renewable power sources.
But there is still significant work ahead to make IoT truly sustainable. Collaboration between researchers, innovators, regulators and industry will be key. With diligence across the lifecycle of IoT solutions, from hardware design to end-of-life, the IoT revolution can fulfill its potential to build a more connected, efficient and sustainable world.
