The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Renewable
Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Verizon signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU)
that could lead to the development of new innovative ways to reduce energy use
in the information and communications technology (ICT) industry.
Through this first-of-its-kind agreement between an ICT
company and a DOE national laboratory, NREL’s work with Verizon could produce a
blueprint for energy-efficient operations in one of the most energy-intensive
industries in the world on a square-foot basis. Verizon will advance its goals
to become more efficient in its own operations and provide customers with
intelligent efficiency solutions.
“Innovation and application of energy-saving technologies
in a way that makes sense in the marketplace are vital to improving the
nation’s economy and environment. NREL’s collaboration with Verizon offers a
variety of possibilities for using clean energy and improving energy efficiency
in a large and meaningful way,” NREL Director Dan Arvizu says.
NREL and Verizon will share expertise and resources in
several areas under the MOU:
- energy efficiency and energy
management at Verizon’s buildings and facilities; - energy efficiency and energy
management at Verizon’s data centers; - advancement
of Smart Grid technologies and best practices, including energy and
communication technologies in homes and buildings.
“Verizon has taken significant steps in becoming a
greener more energy-efficient company,” says James Gowen, chief sustainability
officer, Verizon. “By partnering with one of the top science and technology
labs in the world, we’ll be able to achieve even greater efficiencies in a
cost-effective fashion. We’re very excited about this opportunity.”
The
ICT industry consumes 3% of U.S.
electricity, half of which is by telecommunications. The application of digital
intelligence in the operation of offices and data centers offers a significant
opportunity to save money, energy, and reduce environmental impact.
