Wireless technology has been – and continues to be – a defining innovation, connecting everything from mobile phones and smart homes to Internet of Things devices. As the fifth generation of this technology, 5G delivers ultra-fast data transfer speeds, low latency, improved energy efficiency and network reliability. More importantly, its ability to connect up to one million devices per square kilometre, and to “slice” networks to accommodate specific applications, makes it a game-changer for industrial automation, healthcare and smart cities, amongst other things.
The Chinese government, along with other global entities, recognizes 5G as a cornerstone of its technological and economic future. However, like all groundbreaking technologies, it must be applied appropriately to deliver on its promises. With this in mind, the ISO member for China, SAC, commissioned research to explore how International Standards can shape the effective implementation of 5G technology and unlock its full potential.
The research focused on the Shenzhen Power Supply Bureau, a key player in China’s electricity value chain, where two ISO standards proved particularly impactful. ISO 37184 plays a crucial role in advancing 5G communication for transportation services, offering a blueprint for expanding service coverage through 5G networks that connect transport facilities, vehicles and service dispatches. Meanwhile, ISO/IEC 27001 ensures robust information security and user privacy, safeguarding data transmission in 5G communication.
By implementing these and other standards, the Shenzhen Power Supply Bureau reaped substantial benefits across its operations. One of the most notable achievements was the construction of a 200 MW virtual power plant, which delivered impressive results. The project saved between USD 63.02 million to USD 177 million in investment costs for power generation capacity, cut some 15 375 man-hours annually for grounding fault handling, and reduced energy consumption by eliminating 40 700 tonnes of standard coal each year. Most importantly, it prevented the release of 108 000 tonnes of carbon dioxide and 3 261 tonnes of sulfur dioxide, driving significant progress in energy conservation and emissions reduction.
Economically, the implementation of these ISO standards led to significant cost savings. Over three years, they reduced expenses for purchasing and deploying switches and laying optical cables by around USD 8.77 million. Losses from power outages caused by peak load shifting and power limiting were also cut by approximately USD 1.31 million. In 2023 alone, the costs of fault detection and isolation decreased by about USD 3.56 million. Most notably, in the summer of 2021, the network load intelligent control system ensured the power grid operated at full capacity to meet demand, saving an impressive USD 51.65 million in power generation and social electricity costs.
The Shenzhen Power Supply Bureau’s innovative use of 5G technology highlights the transformative impact of International Standards, such as those developed by ISO, on real-world applications. Building on this success, SAC is committed to advancing the development and implementation of standards in this critical area. These efforts will empower industries in China and worldwide to leverage the full potential of 5G, paving the way for a smarter, more connected future.