"Our mission is to support broadcasters in managing their operational costs and in preparing for coming challenges like meeting carbon emission targets."
Johannes Sinnhuber, Product Manager Broadcast Distribution at Rohde & Schwarz
As the content streaming landscape evolves, terrestrial broadcasting uniquely retains its environmental advantages while opening up innovative service avenues and additional revenue streams. Consequently, broadcast network operators face a dual challenge: maintaining high-service quality while minimizing their environmental footprint. Given that electrical power drives both operational expenditure and carbon emissions, we highlight crucial areas for comprehensive energy auditing and optimization.
As the broadcasting industry aligns with global sustainability goals, such as the EU's 55% and the US's 50% greenhouse gas reduction targets by 2030, reducing energy consumption has become a priority.
Terrestrial broadcasting, with its inherent ability to serve mass audiences without scaling energy use, offers a unique opportunity for environmental stewardship. This inherent advantage positions broadcasters to make a significant positive impact on the environment while meeting the growing demands of their audience.
Terrestrial TV transmitters, responsible for 99% of their lifetime carbon footprint through power consumption, are a key focus for improvement. Our advanced transmitter platform, featuring a liquid-cooled design, can significantly lower operational costs and emissions. This innovative approach employs a closed cooling circuit, carrying heat from the electronics cabinets and venting it outside, thereby greatly reducing the need for air conditioning.
As a result, users can anticipate an even higher reduction in both carbon footprint and energy bills, combining the savings from decreased power consumption with those from reduced air conditioning requirements. For instance, a 40% reduction in power consumption translates to substantial energy bill savings and a notable decrease in carbon emissions, equivalent to over 3,000 tons for a typical 10-year installation.
Our technological advancements have enabled the development of transmitters that deliver the same broadcast power using up to 50% less input energy. By integrating these innovative solutions, broadcasters can achieve a triple benefit: enhanced sustainability, reduced operational expenditures, and a future-proofed broadcasting ecosystem.
Rohde & Schwarz transmitters offer the most efficient solution for terrestrial transmission networks, combining sustainable reductions in energy consumption and carbon footprint with intelligent automation to minimize operational and engineering requirements. By investing in these technologies, broadcasters can reduce energy costs, achieve significant carbon footprint reductions, and contribute to a more sustainable future, aligning their business goals with global environmental objectives.