Abstract

Advancement in information and communication technologies is a double-edged sword in terms of its impact on energy usage and the environment. Wireless communications and networking applications such as cloud computing, web applications, global information systems, and the Internet have fueled a major increase in electric power consumption, while wireless devices, such as MP3 players, personal computers, and smart phones have created a huge problem in electronic waste. On the other hand, wireless communications and networking can enhance the production of clean energy by increasing the penetration of renewable energy generation in power grids, and help protect the environment by monitoring and possibly mitigating the generation of pollutants. Therefore, wireless communications and networking research in energy and the environment aims to (i) reduce CO2 emission in electricity generation, (ii) improve communication efficiency, (iii) protect the environment by monitoring and mitigating the generation of pollutants, (iv) change human behavior in energy usage, and (v) reduce electronic waste. In this talk, we discuss challenges and opportunities in these five major directions. We will also discuss some related projects at the University of Hong Kong Initiative on Clean Energy and Environment.