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Green technology

Nigerian Communications Commission Urges Telecom Operators to Embrace Renewable Energy

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has highlighted the need for telecom operators to transition to renewable energy sources, such as solar power, to reduce noise and environmental pollution from diesel generators in Base Transmission Stations (BTS). With over 54,000 BTS across the country relying on diesel generators, transitioning to solar power could potentially reduce operating costs by up to 20%. The NCC has called on Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMS) to innovate sustainable energy solutions in line with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Recommendation ITU-T L.1380.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NCC has urged telecom operators to transition to renewable energy sources, such as solar power, to reduce noise and environmental pollution from diesel generators in BTS.
  • There are 54,000 BTS across the country relying on diesel generators, with some operating for 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • Transitioning to solar power could potentially reduce operating costs by up to 20%.
  • The NCC is working on a policy to encourage the adoption of renewable energy sources by telecom operators.
  • The policy aims to reduce diesel usage, expand telecom infrastructure to off-grid areas, and reduce carbon emissions.
  • The telecom industry in Nigeria has over 226 million voice customers and 156 million internet customers as of January 31st, 2023.
  • The industry requires more infrastructure for emerging technologies like 5G mobile services, which are mostly powered by fossil fuels.

Statistics:

  • 54,000 BTS are scattered across Nigeria, relying on diesel generators.
  • Transitioning to renewable energy could potentially reduce operating costs by up to 20%.
  • The Nigerian telecom industry has over 226 million voice customers and 156 million internet customers as of January 31st, 2023.
  • The industry requires more infrastructure components, mostly powered by fossil fuels, to support emerging technologies like 5G mobile services.

Sources:

  • Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)
  • International Telecommunications Union (ITU)
  • Nigerian telecoms industry data as of January 31st, 2023 (Source: NCC)

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