The mobile tower industry in Pakistan has seen remarkable growth in recent years, driven by a rapidly expanding population and increasing demand for telecommunication services. However, this growth has resulted in a significant increase in energy demand and power consumption due to technological upgrades and the industry’s reliance on grid electricity and diesel generators.
According to the Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB), the mobile tower industry has emerged as Pakistan’s largest diesel fuel consumer, using approximately 1.2 billion liters per year. This is primarily due to the grid’s significant instability, which necessitates the provision of uninterrupted telecommunications services to end-users.
The country’s energy crisis has historically forced mobile tower companies to resort to diesel generators as backup power sources, which has resulted in significant carbon emissions. To address this issue, EDOTCO, a leading telecommunications infrastructure services company, has continuously looked for ways to incorporate alternative energy sources into its mobile tower operations in Pakistan.
EDOTCO has made significant progress in incorporating renewable energy into its telecommunication tower operations in Pakistan. The initiative has created job opportunities and helped to develop the local renewable energy industry. As of 2022, the company has solarized more than 200 mobile towers, with a total capacity of 2 MW. The company plans to increase this capacity to 5 MW by 2025, resulting in an estimated reduction of around 8,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
The use of Lithium Ion Technology in the company’s high-capacity battery solutions has also substantially reduced diesel generator operations by providing robust battery backup during grid outages. Additionally, the company is extending its renewable energy initiatives to benefit nearby households and mosques where technically feasible.
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Reducing carbon emissions is essential in mitigating the effects of climate change and improving the environment. Solarizing telecommunication towers offers numerous benefits, including reducing reliance on grid electricity and diesel generators, leading to better operational efficiency for tower companies. This sustainable practice also helps to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the impact of climate change, potentially saving up to 21 million liters of diesel fuel annually and reducing around 56,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.
Furthermore, this initiative aligns with Pakistan’s commitment to the Paris Agreement, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2030. In addition to the immediate benefits of reducing operational costs and improving the reliability of mobile networks, solarization has broader significance for Pakistan’s energy landscape. By diversifying the country’s energy mix and reducing dependency on non-renewable sources, such as fossil fuels, Pakistan can take a significant step towards achieving its climate goals and reducing its carbon footprint.
As the demand for mobile connectivity continues to grow, the need for sustainable and scalable solutions becomes even more critical. By leveraging renewable energy sources, mobile tower companies can improve their bottom line and contribute to a more sustainable future for all.
