Solar energy: Looking to power the tower

Can help cut costs for telecom companies in remote areas

LAHORE: With tele-density in Pakistan having reached close to 70%, cellular towers are now expanding their networks to the remotest of locations. However, an unreliable supply of power and presence of base transceiver stations (BTS) in off-grid areas has left telecom companies dependent on diesel generators to fill the electricity gap.

High operating costs and carbon emissions make generators an expensive option for the telecom companies. Low capacity utilisation and high transportation costs of fuel to such remote locations inflate energy costs further.

The solution

Renewable energy provides a feasible alternate in all locations, especially remote ones. Solar is widely being used for this purpose in developing nations such as India and Africa. Omnigrid Micropower Company (OMC) Power, a renewable energy venture in India, provides renewable energy for cell towers and supplies surplus electricity to the surrounding communities. These micro-power electricity plants allow businesses and households to power their mobile phones, lights, fans, and appliances, improving the quality of life in the community and sustaining economic growth.

If replicated in Pakistan, these plants can bring cost savings for the telecom companies and a better standard of life for the communities said Reon Energy Limited Chief Executive Officer Inamur Rahman.

“By increasing the number of solar-powered cell-sites, telecom companies can hedge against the market fuel price volatility, and reduce their long term operating costs,” said Rahman.

“Back up batteries help the system provide energy during the non-sunlight hours. Diesel generators can be completely eliminated.”

To prove the viability, Reon installed a 7KW pilot project for a telecom site and has measured the data ever since the project was set up.

Results are most encouraging with generators almost not needed any more. This model is easily replicable and any excess energy can benefit neighbourhood communities.

Reon Energy Limited is the renewable energy division of Dawood Hercules Group, the largest provider of energy in the private sector in Pakistan. “We understand both conventional and renewable projects better than anyone in the country,” claimed Rehman.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 3^rd, 2015.

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