Call for Papers

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The emergence of sixth-generation (6G) wireless networks promises to redefine connectivity with unprecedented performance targets, including ultra-low latency, massive device connectivity, and data rates exceeding 1 Tbps. These transformative capabilities will support intelligent, immersive, and human-centric applications, ranging from holographic communication to large-scale autonomous systems. However, the path to 6G brings with it serious sustainability challenges, particularly in light of the growing global commitment to carbon neutrality. The ICT sector already contributes a significant share of global CO₂ emissions, and without proactive design, 6G systems risk dramatically increasing this footprint. To align with global climate goals, it is imperative to rethink the foundations of wireless system design, embedding sustainability, energy efficiency, and energy autonomy into every layer of the network. The concept of net-zero wireless networks envisions systems in which the total energy consumed is matched or exceeded by energy harvested or supplied through renewable sources combined with advanced energy-aware control strategies. This Special Issue (SI) invites original research that advances the vision of net-zero 6G networks through novel approaches in sustainable hardware, low-power communication techniques, ambient energy harvesting, AI-driven energy management, and green protocol design. We welcome contributions that address both theoretical foundations and practical implementations aimed at reducing energy demand and enabling energy-autonomous operation.

The topics of interest for the SI include, but are not limited to:

• New metrics and theory for net-zero networks.
• Fundamental information theoretical limits for net-zero communications.
• Joint energy and information co-design frameworks.
• Energy-neutral access points and edge nodes.
• Low-power wake-up radios (LP-WUS) and energy-saving techniques.
• Renewable energy integration in distributed components (e.g., solar-powered antennas, and small cells).
• Intelligent reconfigurable environments for net-zero communication.
• UAV-based energy-autonomous access networks.
• Net-zero RAN: Open RAN, RAN automation, and optimization for net-zero operation.
• Cross-layer design for net-zero network.
• Network architecture and transmission protocol design tailored for net-zero distributed network.
• Communication Protocols and Network Design for net-zero networks.
• Predictive optimization for energy efficiency in distributed net-zero networks.
• Machine learning and AI-driven energy management for distributed net-zero 6G networks.
• Prototyping of low-power and energy-autonomous RAN components.

Submission Guidelines

Manuscripts should conform to the standard format as indicated in the Information for Authors section of the Manuscript Submission Guidelines. Please, check these guidelines carefully before submitting since submissions not complying with them will be administratively rejected without review.

All manuscripts to be considered for publication must be submitted by the deadline through Author Portal. Select SI “Net-Zero 6G Networks: Enabling Technologies and Pathways to Sustainable Operation” topic from the drop-down menu of Topic/Series titles. Please observe the dates specified here below noting that there will be no extension of submission deadline.

Important Dates

Manuscript Submission Deadline: 25 October 2025 (Deadline Extended)
Initial Decision: 1 January 2026
Revised Manuscript Due: 1 February 2026
Final Decision: 1 March 2026
Final Manuscript Due: 10 March 2026
Publication Date: May 2026

Guest Editors

Sami Muhaidat (Lead Guest Editor)
Carleton University, Canada, and Khalifa University, UAE

Shimaa Naser
Khalifa University, UAE

Kaibin Huang
The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Ilhem Fajjari
Orange Innovation, France