WThB: Sustainable Microwave Engineering and Microwave-Enabled Sustainability

Presentation Abstract
ICT and electronics are responsible for 2–4% of global emissions and potentially over 50% of the critical minerals consumption per capita, mostly attributed to the manufacturing of semiconductor devices. Microwave technologies underpin telecommunications and are a major energy consumer; emerging microwave technologies also have the potential to make electronics, and the world, more sustainable. This workshop will provide a holistic view of how sustainability and microwave technologies interact, across three main areas: (1) The sustainability of microwave devices and wireless networks, and more broadly electronics, with a focus on semiconductors and Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs); (2) Microwave technologies for sustainable sensing and identification, with a focus on RFID technologies and sustainable chipless solutions; (3) Microwave wireless power transfer (WPT) and its role in sustainability, from battery-less IoT to space-based “Net-Zero” energy generation. The workshop will start by introducing microwave engineers to areas ranging from RFICs/MMICs to passive technologies and systems, to quantifying sustainability. LCA will be introduced as a methodology which can be used to quantify the footprint of both specific electronic devices, with a focus on integrated circuits/chips, and of systems. LCA will then be applied to a range of technologies, including emerging mm-wave/THz links, RFID (UHF and chipless), and IoT applications. Given the central role of semiconductors, sustainable chip manufacturing and integration will be introduced, including a strong focus on industrial insights. These will be provided by opinions from activities across Europe, the US, and the UK, with a focus on industrially co-created insights. Methods for adopting “circular economy” principles and allowing RFICs and MMICs to be recycled and reused will be introduced. Frameworks for design-for-recycling will be discussed, highlighting challenges around reliability and commercialisation. The last technical aspect will explore the role of microwaves in creating a more sustainable world. Wireless Power Transfer (WPT), both terrestrial (low-power) and space-based (high-power) will be introduced as sustainable technologies for green energy. Chipless RFID and circular/low-waste RFID tags will also be discussed, as exemplars of how microwave-enabled tech could enable more supply chains. The workshop’s primary aim is to deepen the understanding of sustainability challenges across the microwave community. With the workshop speakers coming from a range of backgrounds and having active roles within the community, including 2 Editors-in-Chief (EiCs) of microwave journals, and multiple Topic Editors and Distinguished Microwave Lecturers (DMLs), we will conclude with an interactive panel discussion reflecting upon the sustainability challenges and seeking audience interaction. The panel will be primarily driven by the audience’s questions, and will be followed by a breakout and networking time to allow the attendees to connect with the speakers.