A Digital and Green Revolution: How Huawei is Partnering with Europe for a Sustainable, Intelligent Future
At Huawei Connect 2024 in Paris, Huawei Rotating Chairman Ken Hu and Huawei Vice President and President of ICT Product Portfolio Management & Solution Michael Ma presented a transformative vision for Europe’s future. Their message underscored Huawei’s commitment to advancing Europe’s digital ecosystem and supporting the EU’s ambitious climate and sustainability goals.
The Vision: A Connected, Intelligent, and Green Future
Huawei envisions a future where digital and green transformations work in synergy, creating an integrated landscape for sustainable innovation. Ken Hu highlighted Europe’s progressive stance on digital governance, AI regulation, and carbon reduction, positioning the continent as a leader. He stressed Huawei’s commitment to being “In Europe, For Europe”, reflecting a strategy of deep-rooted partnership, localised investments, and tailored solutions that address Europe’s unique challenges.
Huawei’s local manufacturing, research, and strategic collaborations with European institutions embody this approach. By investing in infrastructure that aligns with Europe’s environmental and technological priorities, Huawei is helping build sustainable, future-ready systems that support industries, communities, and public services across the continent.
Intelligent World 2030: Predictions Shaping the Future
Huawei’s recent “Intelligent World 2030” report anticipates a connected future where 60% of vehicles will be intelligent, AI’s economic impact will exceed US$6 trillion, and industries will operate with nearly 1,000 robots per 10,000 workers. Huawei is already developing the necessary technologies—like 10 Gbps Cloud Campus networks and advanced data storage solutions—to bring this vision to life.
In his keynote, Michael Ma emphasised that digital infrastructure forms the foundation of successful digital and intelligent transformation. Huawei is investing heavily in ICT products and solutions that enhance enterprise creativity and drive Europe’s digital transition. Ma highlighted five key domains where Huawei is leading innovation:
· High-quality 10 Gbps CloudCampus solution to enhance network connectivity
· High-availability DCN solutions for disaster-recovery data centres
· “One lake, three pools” data solution to streamline data management
· Ultra-high-speed Data Centre Interconnect (DCI) solution to support rapid, secure data transfer
· Multilayer Ransomware Protection (MRP), a collaborative anti-ransomware solution that integrates network and storage protections
In healthcare, Huawei’s all-flash storage enables fast retrieval of medical images, enhancing diagnostic accuracy. In education, Wi-Fi 7 technology supports high-density environments, transforming traditional classrooms into interactive, digital learning spaces. Partnering with UNESCO, Huawei is also promoting STEM education, especially for girls and underserved communities, to address the digital divide and cultivate skills essential for the future workforce.
Through collaboration with over 5,000 local partners, Huawei is committed to adapting cutting-edge technology to European needs. This localisation is evident in Huawei’s partnership with companies like Orange, where they co-innovate tailored solutions for sectors such as retail and manufacturing. As Eric Blazy from Orange highlighted, Huawei’s flexibility and commitment to addressing local needs through collaboration have delivered impactful, industry-specific solutions for Orange and its customers.
Sustainability at the Core: Green Technology and Energy Efficiency
A central theme at Huawei Connect 2024 was sustainability. Huawei’s green initiatives include dynamic energy-saving algorithms, photovoltaic (PV) solutions, and infrastructure optimisations that together reduce carbon emissions. By 2023, Huawei’s solutions had helped generate over 200 billion kilowatts of clean energy in Europe, effectively offsetting millions of tons of CO₂.
Energy efficiency is particularly crucial in sectors like data centres. Cillian O’Donoghue from Eurelectric emphasised that achieving Europe’s climate goals requires doubling investments in grid infrastructure and expanding energy storage. Huawei’s technologies support these objectives by promoting energy-efficient data centres and innovations in energy storage that enable a smoother transition to renewable power sources across Europe. Through partnerships with industry leaders, Huawei is emerging as a key enabler in Europe’s green transition. Its technology empowers industries to achieve operational efficiency while advancing environmental goals, reinforcing Huawei’s role in supporting Europe’s sustainable future.
Security in a New Era of Digital Threats
In an increasingly digital world, cybersecurity has become essential to the success of digital transformation. Huawei’s comprehensive cybersecurity strategy includes an anti-ransomware solution with a 99.9% detection rate, proactively securing networks and data centres against evolving threats. This commitment is especially relevant in Europe as it looks to accelerate digital transformation with businesses facing complex cyber challenges as part of this transition.
Orange and others have emphasised Huawei’s dedication to data security and compliance, addressing Europe’s need for trusted infrastructure and data sovereignty. Its high-standard, compliant solutions support European businesses in securing their operations, providing a solid foundation for growth and digital innovation.
Empowering SMEs and Bridging the Digital Divide
Huawei is also making strides in empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Europe by offering simplified, scalable solutions. Its Enterprise IT (EIT) tools streamline digital adoption, enabling even small businesses to set up networks in minutes through QR code-based deployment. Huawei’s “TECH4ALL” initiative has trained over 880,000 people in essential digital skills, advancing digital inclusion across Europe.
UNESCO Director Magdalena Landry highlighted the critical role of STEM education in sustainable development. She stressed that Huawei’s support for digital and STEM education, especially for women and underserved communities, aligns with Europe’s values of inclusivity and accessibility. By broadening access to digital tools and training, Huawei is helping create a more equitable digital landscape in Europe.
A Partnership for Europe’s Future
Huawei’s European strategy extends beyond market expansion; it is about forging lasting partnerships that address Europe’s unique needs. Through localised solutions, sustainable technology, robust security, and digital inclusion, Huawei has positioned itself as a long-term partner for Europe’s digital and green transformation. Collaborations with Orange, EDF, UNESCO, and Azerion underscore Huawei’s ability to work closely with European entities to offer solutions that align with regional challenges and values.
In addition to these partnerships, Huawei’s commitment to Europe is evident in its investment in local manufacturing, dedicated research centres, and compliance with European data sovereignty requirements. By embedding itself in Europe’s infrastructure and supporting technological autonomy, Huawei contributes to a resilient, future-ready digital ecosystem that aligns with Europe’s goals for security, sustainability, and innovation. Huawei’s strategy embodies a commitment to responsible and sustainable growth. As Europe seeks to lead digital governance and climate action, Huawei’s “In Europe, For Europe” pledge reminds us of technology’s potential to foster meaningful, positive change.
Reflecting on Huawei’s approach leaves me with a sense of optimism. The company’s vision of technology as a force for environmental responsibility and social inclusivity presents a promising framework for a sustainable, intelligent future. While digital transformation can often feel abstract, Huawei’s initiatives are tangible examples of how technology can benefit communities, improve lives, and protect our planet. Through its partnerships and dedicated efforts, Huawei is demonstrating that true progress is achieved through innovation that serves the collective good.