The GSMA, the global trade body for the mobile industry, today launched the Green Power for Mobile programme with the goal of helping the mobile industry use renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, or sustainable biofuels, to power 118,000 new and existing off-grid base stations in developing countries by 2012. Achieving that target would save up to 2.5 billion litres of diesel per annum and cut annual carbon emissions by up to 6.3 million tonnes.
GSMA forecasts that by 2012 up to 50% of new off-grid base stations in the developing world could be powered by renewable energy. Backed by 25 mobile operators, the Green Power for Mobile programme will provide expertise to support the deployment of base stations that use renewable energy. Up to now, off-grid base stations have primarily been powered by generators running on diesel fuel, which is increasingly expensive, generates carbon dioxide emissions, and can be difficult to transport to remote locations.
“As they strive to bring the benefits of mobile coverage to as many people as possible, operators need to find reliable, sustainable and economic sources of power far beyond the reach of national electricity grids,” said Rob Conway, CEO and Member of the Board of the GSMA. “Through our Development Fund, the GSMA has built deep expertise in solar, wind and other renewable energy sources that mobile operators can tap to help them connect the unconnected, reduce operating costs and minimise environmental damage.”
Following extensive research with mobile operators, the GSMA Development Fund estimates that only 1,500 base stations worldwide are powered by at least one form of renewable energy. Challenges to date have included commercial viability, equipment availability and lack of expertise, but the GSMA’s research suggests that rising diesel prices and falling renewable equipment costs mean that operators investing in green power sources for base stations could recoup the capital costs in as little as 24 months.
The GSMA Development Fund is already working with several mobile operators to develop renewable power solutions for a variety of base stations located in diverse geographies. The Development Fund has supported Digicel’s deployment of wind and solar energy to power 17 new base stations on the Pacific island of Vanuatu.
“As oil becomes more scarce and expensive, renewable energy will be used more and more to power telecommunications networks anywhere that grid power is not available,” said John Delves, CEO of Digicel Vanuatu. “Using alternative power solutions, such as harnessing wind and solar energy, will help lower our operational expenditure and reduce our environmental impact, giving people in the more remote islands of Vanuatu access to communications for the first time.”
After a successful pilot in conjunction with the GSMA Development Fund and Ericsson, Idea Cellular now uses waste cooking oil to help power more than 350 base stations in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India, where the conventional electricity supply can be erratic. The base stations run on a blend made up of 80% diesel fuel and 20% waste cooking oil.
“If we can secure enough vegetable oils from sustainable sources, we will move to a blend of 50% diesel and 50% biofuels, which will be better for the environment and for our operating costs,” said Anil K Tandan, Chief Technology Officer of Idea. “We are also exploring other alternative sources of power as we seek to ensure that our mobile network continues to be reliable, sustainable and cost-effective.”
The major suppliers of base stations have anticipated the growing demand for green networks and have introduced a variety of low-energy products as well as renewable energy power solutions. New entrants are also emerging, providing tailored bolt-on power solutions for base stations. The GSMA is developing metrics for “green” base stations, to support operators in their decision-making on providers and products.
Today, the operators involved in the Green Power for Mobile programme are meeting in Kenya, hosted by Safaricom, a leader in the use of renewable energy for networks with 30 base stations powered by solar and wind energy.
More from this category
- Australian carbon tax announced
- Cornwall issues tender for Solar Power Plants
- Carbon Capture and Storage in Australia gets animated
- Siemens increase stake in Archimede solar thermal
- Caroline Lucas is UK’s first Green MP
- Petrofac acquires CO2 storage company CO2DeepStore
More from this author
- Shell switches from wind and solar to bio fuels
- Leicester wind power loses out
- Carbon Disclosure Project helps UK government go green
- Irish wind turbines get government grants
- Welsh renewable energy plan unveiled
- NRG signs 500MW solar power deal with eSolar
Subscribe to this author

sometimes it i have a hard time selecting which mobile phone to buy. there are too many options to choose from.*,~
Apple can also make phones that are much better than what Nokia can bring.”,:
i guess mobile phones in the future will feature more processing power and great graphics:,:
when it comes to mobile phones, i always buy the ones made by nokia`~;
the mobile phones that we are using today would become more and more powerful and feature packed;.,
i can see that most mobile phones today are equipped with cameras and stuffs .-’
I want let you know, I believe there exists a problem with the RSS feed, it isn’t working right in my RSS viewer. It simply started happening earlier this week, did you change anything on the webpage?
I never knew about this but now I am much better educated. Thanks a lot. Pong
Thanks for your information on this blog. One thing I would wish to say is that often purchasing electronic devices items from the Internet is not new. The fact is, in the past decades alone, the marketplace for online electronics has grown noticeably. Today, you will find practically just about any electronic gadget and gizmo on the Internet, from cameras in addition to camcorders to computer pieces and gaming consoles.
techy yuichi beefeater bit wielard treatment botts piazzas weider
I am often blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has really peaked my interest. I am going to bookmark your site and keep checking for new information.
Thank you for all of the effort on this blog
What i do not understood is in fact how you are not really a lot more smartly-appreciated than you may be now. You are so intelligent. You know therefore considerably in relation to this subject, made me for my part imagine it from numerous varied angles. Its like men and women aren’t interested unless it’s something to accomplish with Girl gaga! Your own stuffs outstanding. All the time deal with it up!
Unusual this put up is totaly unrelated to what I used to be looking out google for, however it was once indexed on the very first page. I assume your doing something right if Google likes you enough to put you at the initial page of a non similar search.
I conceive other website owners should take this web site as an model, very clean and great user genial design and style .
What’s Taking place i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It positively useful and it has helped me out loads. I am hoping to contribute & assist different customers like its aided me. Good job.
I think this internet site contains some really fantastic information for everyone : D.
I gotta bookmark this web site it seems invaluable very beneficial
What’s Taking place i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It positively helpful and it has helped me out loads. I hope to contribute & assist other customers like its aided me. Good job.
I’ve been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this blog. Thanks, I’ll try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your site?
Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all of us you really recognise what you are speaking approximately! Bookmarked. Kindly also visit my website =). We could have a link trade contract between us!
Exactly what I was searching for, appreciate it for posting .
Good – I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your web site. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs as well as related info ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, web site theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Excellent task.
A person essentially help to make critically posts I might state. That is the first time I frequented your website page and thus far? I amazed with the research you made to make this actual post amazing. Excellent job!
I must express my thanks to this writer just for bailing me out of this type of condition. After looking out through the the web and obtaining ways that were not powerful, I believed my entire life was over. Being alive devoid of the solutions to the problems you’ve sorted out all through the blog post is a crucial case, and ones that could have badly affected my career if I had not come across your web site. Your own training and kindness in dealing with a lot of things was priceless. I am not sure what I would have done if I hadn’t come across such a subject like this. I am able to at this time look ahead to my future. Thanks a lot very much for this professional and amazing help. I won’t think twice to refer the website to anybody who needs assistance about this subject.
obviously like your website however you have to test the spelling on quite a few of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I in finding it very troublesome to inform the truth on the other hand I’ll certainly come again again.
I simply couldn’t leave your website before suggesting that I extremely enjoyed the standard info a person supply in your visitors? Is gonna be back steadily in order to check up on new posts.
Terrific paintings! This is the kind of info that are meant to be shared around the net. Disgrace on Google for not positioning this post higher! Come on over and visit my web site . Thank you =)
I think other web-site proprietors should take this site as an model, very clean and wonderful user genial style and design, let alone the content. You are an expert in this topic!
I’m no longer positive where you’re getting your info, but great topic. I must spend a while finding out more or working out more. Thanks for excellent info I used to be looking for this information for my mission.
I will right away grab your rss as I can not to find your e-mail subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service. Do you have any? Kindly permit me know so that I could subscribe. Thanks.
Hello there, I found your web site by the use of Google while searching for a similar topic, your web site came up, it seems good. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
AC Compressor sr gsr gsrg
I needed to post you the bit of observation to finally give thanks once again on your unique pointers you have contributed on this site. It is so unbelievably open-handed of you to give unreservedly what exactly a few individuals would’ve supplied as an electronic book to generate some profit for themselves, specifically given that you could possibly have tried it if you ever considered necessary. Those concepts likewise served to provide a good way to be aware that most people have a similar dreams really like my personal own to learn lots more with regard to this issue. I’m sure there are lots of more pleasant periods ahead for people who see your site.
You made some first rate points there. I seemed on the internet for the difficulty and found most people will go along with along with your website.
you are in point of fact a just right webmaster. The website loading velocity is amazing. It sort of feels that you are doing any distinctive trick. Also, The contents are masterwork. you have performed a excellent process in this subject!
What’s Going down i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It absolutely useful and it has helped me out loads. I am hoping to contribute & aid other customers like its helped me. Great job.
Hello! I just want to give an enormous thumbs up for the great data you could have right here on this post. I will likely be coming again to your blog for more soon.
After examine a few of the blog posts in your website now, and I really like your approach of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark web site list and will be checking back soon. Pls check out my website online as effectively and let me know what you think.
Hi my family member! I wish to say that this article is amazing, nice written and come with approximately all vital infos. I’d like to see more posts like this.
Spot on with this write-up, I truly think this website wants far more consideration. I’ll most likely be again to read much more, thanks for that info.
I would like to thnkx for the efforts you’ve put in writing this site. I’m hoping the same high-grade web site post from you in the upcoming also. In fact your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own web site now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings quickly. Your write up is a great example of it.
F*ckin’ tremendous things here. I am very happy to see your article. Thanks so much and i am having a look forward to touch you. Will you please drop me a e-mail?
Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything like this before. So good to seek out someone with some authentic thoughts on this subject. realy thank you for beginning this up. this website is one thing that’s wanted on the web, someone with a bit of originality. helpful job for bringing something new to the web!
Aw, this was a very nice post. In concept I would like to put in writing like this additionally – taking time and actual effort to make a very good article… however what can I say… I procrastinate alot and by no means seem to get something done.
Hi, Neat post. There’s an issue with your website in internet explorer, would test this… IE nonetheless is the market chief and a good element of folks will pass over your excellent writing because of this problem.
Good post. I study something more challenging on totally different blogs everyday. It can all the time be stimulating to learn content from different writers and apply a little something from their store. I’d prefer to use some with the content material on my weblog whether or not you don’t mind. Natually I’ll give you a hyperlink on your internet blog. Thanks for sharing.
It’s exhausting to seek out educated individuals on this subject, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
I’ll right away grab your rss as I can’t in finding your e-mail subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service. Do you have any? Kindly let me realize so that I may just subscribe. Thanks.
You made some first rate factors there. I seemed on the web for the issue and located most individuals will go together with together with your website.
Once again swell post thanks dozens for sharing, keep me posted I’ll be interpretation much of your read-ups in the tense!
First-class post it is without doubt. My girlfriend has been waiting for this tips.
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again very soon!
Thanks for every one of your efforts on this web site. My mum really loves conducting internet research and it’s really obvious why. My spouse and i notice all relating to the lively manner you render functional guidance through this website and increase response from website visitors about this subject matter then our own girl has been being taught a great deal. Enjoy the remaining portion of the new year. You have been performing a splendid job.
Good – I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your website. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs and related information ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, web site theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Excellent task.
Needed to write you the tiny note just to say thanks a lot again regarding the stunning views you have documented in this article. It was quite wonderfully open-handed with you giving easily what a few people would’ve sold for an ebook to generate some profit on their own, specifically given that you could possibly have done it if you ever decided. Those pointers also acted to become easy way to recognize that someone else have a similar passion the same as mine to figure out more with regards to this matter. I am sure there are numerous more pleasurable situations in the future for folks who look into your site.
Nice weblog right here! Also your site a lot up fast! What host are you using? Can I am getting your affiliate link for your host? I wish my site loaded up as fast as yours lol.
Wow, awesome weblog structure! How long have you been blogging for? you make running a blog look easy. The full look of your web site is magnificent, let alone the content!
I have been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this website. Thank you, I’ll try and check back more often. How frequently you update your site?
hi!,I like your writing very much! proportion we keep up a correspondence more about your article on AOL? I need an expert in this house to resolve my problem. Maybe that is you! Looking ahead to peer you.
I don’t even know how I stopped up here, however I assumed this put up used to be great. I do not recognize who you’re however certainly you are going to a famous blogger if you aren’t already
Cheers!
Thanks a lot for providing individuals with an exceptionally remarkable possiblity to read articles and blog posts from this site. It is always so nice and as well , jam-packed with a lot of fun for me and my office acquaintances to visit your website on the least three times in one week to study the latest guidance you have. Of course, I am just actually impressed concerning the unbelievable thoughts served by you. Some 4 facts in this posting are truly the most suitable I have had.
I’ve been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this web site. Thanks, I’ll try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your site?
You really make it seem so easy along with your presentation however I in finding this topic to be actually one thing that I believe I would by no means understand. It seems too complicated and very vast for me. I am looking ahead on your next submit, I’ll try to get the grasp of it!
I must get across my love for your kind-heartedness for all those that must have assistance with that niche. Your personal commitment to passing the solution all over appeared to be pretty useful and has usually enabled those just like me to arrive at their targets. Your helpful instruction entails a great deal to me and additionally to my colleagues. Thanks a ton; from each one of us.
I’m impressed, I must say. Really rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me let you know, you will have hit the nail on the head. Your concept is excellent; the problem is something that not enough persons are talking intelligently about. I’m very happy that I stumbled across this in my seek for something referring to this.
I am no longer sure where you are getting your info, but good topic. I must spend some time finding out more or working out more. Thanks for great information I used to be looking for this info for my mission.
F*ckin’ awesome issues here. I am very glad to see your article. Thanks so much and i’m looking forward to contact you. Will you please drop me a e-mail?
Thank you for sharing superb informations. Your web site is so cool. I’m impressed by the details that you have on this web site. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject. Bookmarked this website page, will come back for extra articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found just the info I already searched all over the place and just could not come across. What a great site.
I would like to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this blog. I’m hoping the same high-grade blog post from you in the upcoming also. In fact your creative writing skills has encouraged me to get my own site now. Actually the blogging is spreading its wings rapidly. Your write up is a good example of it.