The annual energy demand for network-enabled devices, such as smartphones and tablets, will soar to 1,140 terawatt hours (TWh) by 2025 if left unchecked, says the International Energy Agency (IEA) in a new report.
That is equivalent to the combined annual electricity consumption of Canada and Germany.
However, the IEA estimates in the report that up to 80% of devices’ electricity consumption is used just to maintain a network connection.
It wants them to be able to manage their energy demand better so they do not have to remain fully on to maintain connectivity. Analysis by the agency reveals that implementing existing best available technologies and solutions could cut electricity demand from devices by more than 60%.
It estimates that the global energy efficiency potential from powering down network enabled devices and reducing standby electricity consumption at almost 600 TWh annually by 2020.
