Page 17 - UN Executive Briefing on Unlocking the potential of virtual worlds and the metaverse for the Sustainable Development Goals

UN Executive Briefing on Unlocking the potential of virtual worlds and
the metaverse for the Sustainable Development Goals

Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

One of the significant challenges of virtual worlds, particularly relating
to Goal 7, is integrating, and promoting the use of renewable energy
sources in their infrastructure and operations. The digital technology
industry has an opportunity to lead by example and power virtual
world data centres and operations with renewable energy [b-IEA].
Furthermore, the industry can showcase the benefits of using digital
twin to identify energy efficiencies and help increase affordability of
clean energy for all.

For virtual worlds to become available to all, the world’s online infrastructure will need to ese
expand actively, increasing demand for energy to power data centres, servers and networks.
It is essential to minimize the environmental impact of these operations by transitioning to
renewable energy sources. In addition to infrastructure, promoting responsible manufacturing,
operation, and recycling of virtual world devices will contribute to reducing the overall energy
demand of the virtual world ecosystem and enable more sustainable operations.

Digital twin can also contribute to energy optimization of various private and public sector
activities that take place in virtual worlds such as the metaverse. By creating virtual replicas of
physical infrastructure and systems, optimization techniques can be applied to improve energy
efficiency, identify areas of energy waste and streamline energy consumption [b-SG Voice].

Case study: VR wind turbine training simulations

Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, a pioneer in the offshore wind sector, partnered with
VINCI VR to create the first-ever wind turbine training simulations. This was in response to the
challenge of training the local workforce for the construction of Vineyard Wind, the United
States’ first commercial-scale Offshore Wind Farm. The VR training modules replaced the
need for equipment, making the training fully portable and cost-effective. The modules were
integrated into Siemens Gamesa’s Global Wind Organization (GWO) course catalogue and
certified by international standards. The VR training resulted in a 90 per cent reduction in on-
the-job injuries, a threefold increase in training repetitions, and a 30 per cent improvement in
trainee performance [b-Vinci].

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