Hoping to save up to 2.5 billion liters of diesel fuel a year and cut annual carbon emissions by up to 6.3 million metric tonnes, the GSM Association (GSMA) has launched the Green Power for Mobile program. The program aims to help the mobile industry use renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and sustainable biofuels to power 118,000 new and existing off-grid base stations in developing countries by 2012.

Article Tools

• 

Currently, off-grid basestations use primarily diesel fuel. But the GSMA predicts that by 2012, up to 50% of new off-grid basestations in the developing world could be using renewable energy. Backed by 25 mobile operators, Green Power for Mobile will provide the expertise to support the deployment of these basestations.

Challenges to date have included commercial viability, equipment availability, and lack of expertise. However, the GSMA’s research suggests that rising diesel prices and falling renewable equipment costs mean that operators investing in green power sources for basestations could recoup the capital costs in as little as 24 months.

"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 minimize environmental damage."

• GSM Association

Related Articles

1. Octasic Provides Echo Cancellation For ZTE 3G Basestations
2. Save Energy, Money, And The Environment With Green Basestations
3. New Power Sources Key To Expanding Mobile Phone Coverage