Telecom regulators eye shift from diesel to green energy

Telecommunications regulators in West Africa are pushing for green initiatives that will see the integration of renewable energy into network operations as part of efforts to promote sustainability in the sector.

The Chairman of the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly and Director-General of Sierra Leone’s National Communications Authority, Amara Brewah, made this observation at the recently concluded Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.

Green telecommunications is the adoption of environmentally sustainable practices and technologies within the telecommunications sector to minimise its ecological impact.

This approach focuses on reducing energy consumption, carbon emissions, and resource use across network operations, infrastructure, and supply chains.

“The future of telecommunications must be both inclusive and sustainable,” Brewah noted in a speech obtained by The PUNCH, titled ‘Green Telecommunications—Policies and Practices for More Sustainability’.

“West Africa has the opportunity to lead in green telecommunications by promoting energy efficiency, supporting solar-powered infrastructure, and implementing robust e-waste management policies,” the telecom executive said.

The push for sustainability comes as the telecom sector in West Africa continues to expand, presenting opportunities for growth in commerce, education, healthcare, and governance. However, Brewah warned that this rapid expansion has environmental consequences, including rising energy consumption and increased electronic waste.

Brewah called on regulators to adopt energy-efficient infrastructure, integrate renewable energy into network operations, and develop policies for managing electronic waste.

He also proposed harmonised environmental standards across the region to create an investment-friendly regulatory environment, including carbon reduction targets, sustainability incentives, and transparency in measuring telecom operations’ environmental impact.

He said public-private partnerships would be crucial in driving innovation in clean energy solutions for the telecom sector.

Across the region, telecom operators are beginning to make the transition.

Airtel has started investing in solar power and lithium-ion batteries to reduce its diesel consumption, which currently stands at 22 million litres per month. Nigeria’s largest telecom operator, MTN, is also pursuing similar initiatives.

In 2023, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Umar Danbatta, highlighted the sector’s dependence on diesel-powered base stations, which contribute significantly to environmental pollution.

“The country’s 54,000 base transceiver stations rely on diesel generators, with some operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar power will significantly reduce this pollution,” Danbatta said.

The shift toward greener telecommunications aligns with global trends. In Europe, countries such as Spain, Italy, France, and the UK are phasing out legacy copper networks in favour of more energy-efficient fibre technologies.