Vodafone commits to 100pc renewable European network by 2021

Aim to help business partners reduce emissions by 350m tonnes by 2030

Vodafone has committed to powering its European network with 100 per cent renewable electricity “no later” than July 2021.

The operator also aims to help its business customers reduce their carbon emissions by a total of 350 million tonnes globally in the next decade.

Around 80 per cent of the energy will be from national grids via power purchase agreements and green tariffs.

The remaining 20 per cent will be covered by Renewable Energy Certificates supplied by Vodafone’s landlords on buildings. Vodafone also noted that it would look to invest into self-generating sources such as solar panels.

“As society rebuilds and recovers from the Covid-19 crisis, we have an opportunity to reshape our future sustainably to ensure that recovery does not come at a cost to the environment,” said Vodafone Group CEO Nick Read.

“Our accelerated shift to 100% renewable electricity on our European networks will change the way we power our technology for good – reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, helping our customers manage their resources more effectively and reduce their carbon emissions, while helping to create a healthier planet for everyone.”

Vodafone’s 350 million tonne reduction target for business customers will be largely delivered via IoT services, including logistics and fleet management, smart meters, cloud hosting and home working.