Energy and the telecommunications sector in Sub-Saharan Africa

As specialists in the telecommunications sector, we pride ourselves in our power storage solutions and established customer relationships with some of the largest mobile network operators and tower companies in sub-Saharan Africa.

Our high-quality products and services are researched and developed to bring technological innovation and regional expertise to the African continent.

Key trends in powering mobile telecommunications infrastructure

According to GSMA, up to half the towers in Sub-Saharan Africa are currently classified as off-grid or bad-grid. As a result, the market is witnessing a transition to renewable energy, specifically focusing on solar + battery hybrid solutions with diesel backup. Driven by reductions to the levelized cost of off-grid solar power generation over the last few years, operators of off-grid towers that suffer from high cost of fuel are now considering hybrid power solutions to improve reliability and reduce costs.

The need for alternative battery solutions has emerged, with lithium battery powered hybrid solar systems being applied more widely in the telecommunications sector due to the following reasons

Environmentally friendlier alternative, the adoption of green and renewable energy solutions has the potential to reduce the industry’s annual carbon footprint, with carbon savings estimated at US$ 100 – 500 million

Longer cyclic life and better charge acceptance of lithium-ion batteries compared to the rapid replacement cycle of lead-acid batteries

Decreased overall project risk due to lower reliance on fossil fuels, that have volatile prices, are costly to transport and prone to theft, as well as the reduced need for maintenance

Solar energy results in increased cost savings compared to diesel-only and/or other fossil fuel alternatives. This is because diesel power is a tower’s largest expense, accounting for 30 – 40% of its cost base

Environmentally friendlier alternative, the adoption of green and renewable energy solutions has the potential to reduce the industry’s annual carbon footprint, with carbon savings estimated at US$ 100 – 500 million

Longer cyclic life and better charge acceptance of lithium-ion batteries compared to the rapid replacement cycle of lead-acid batteries

Decreased overall project risk due to lower reliance on fossil fuels, that have volatile prices, are costly to transport and prone to theft, as well as the reduced need for maintenance

Solar energy results in increased cost savings compared to diesel-only and/or other fossil fuel alternatives. This is because diesel power is a tower’s largest expense, accounting for 30 – 40% of its cost base

Mauritius Head Office:

Grand Baie Business Park
Ground Floor No.4
Grand Baie
Riviera du Rempart
Mauritius

Western Cape Head Office:

+27 (0)86 551 129177
Unit E 76 Building 8 The Grove
Old Paardevlei Road
Somerset West
Western Cape, 7130

Ready for the next step?

Get in touch with the team and find your hybrid power solution.