It’s time for Telecom to go green

Green telecom aligns progress with environmental responsibility, ensuring a sustainable future for India’s booming telecommunications sector.

India stands as the world’s second-largest telecommunications market, boasting a rapidly expanding network infrastructure and a massive consumer base. The country has made significant strides in extending the reach of telecommunications services, providing access to millions of people nationwide. Nonetheless, challenges persist, including the need to enhance network quality, increase broadband penetration, and promote digital literacy.

Over the past few decades, two overarching forces, namely, technology and the environment, have converged into a symbiotic predicament. The integration of technology without due consideration for the environment may lead to undue strain, just as the environment cannot be protected and rejuvenated without leveraging technological feats.

The country currently has over 7.7 lakh towers, each housing an average of 2-3 base transceiver stations (BTSs) from various telecommunications companies. Despite significant progress in grid availability and expansion into rural areas, approximately 35-40% of sites still rely on diesel generators as backup sources. Notably, telecom companies have undertaken efforts and conducted trials to make solar power solutions economically viable.

Keeping in tune with the global focus on climate change, it was imperative to undertake measures that would safeguard India’s environmental resources while maintaining steadfast progress in technological advancements. The inceptive initiative of Green Telecom is seen as a key solution to the interplay between technology and the environment.

Despite significant progress in grid availability and expansion into rural areas, nearly 35-40% of sites rely on diesel generators as backup sources.

For telecom operators, adopting green practices has become imperative as energy costs constitute approximately 30% of the operational expenditure. The rise in diesel prices, coupled with environmental concerns regarding greenhouse gas emissions, has prompted government authorities to swiftly introduce provisions for non-conventional energy sources such as solar and wind power, both for remote off-grid sites and grid-connected sites.

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

The Government of India has played a crucial role in promoting renewable energy development. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has implemented various policies and programmes aimed at encouraging investment in renewable energy projects. These initiatives have provided financial support, tax benefits, and regulatory frameworks that have significantly driven the growth of the sector.

In 2017, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recommended that the adoption of Renewable Energy Technologies (RET) should be made voluntarily, considering the feasibility and viability of RET deployment. Additionally, TRAI proposed a Carbon Credit policy and recognition of RET deployment as a measure of reducing overall carbon emissions.

As a result of the TRAI recommendations, made in consultation with various industry bodies, the Department of Telecommunications announced revised voluntary measures for sustainable telecom practices. These measures establish the voluntary nature of RET targets, a commitment to achieving a 40% reduction in carbon emissions by the end of 2022, mandatory reporting on carbon footprint per user, and the implementation of a Carbon Credit Policy requiring a 50% reduction in carbon footprint for rural areas and a 66% reduction for urban areas.

India’s National Digital Communications (NDC) Policy 2018 advocates for the digital communications sector to embrace alternative energy sources, including fuel cells and Li-ion batteries, while simultaneously engaging in research and development initiatives to explore additional energy options. Overall, renewable energy, sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power are gaining cost competitiveness and expanding their presence within the energy mix. The evolution of energy storage technologies offers promising solutions to address intermittency challenges associated with renewable sources.

To increase the adoption of renewable energy, strategies include transforming the grid supply across states into green energy, thereby reducing the carbon emission factor. Additionally, there is a push for a mandatory share of renewable power usage throughout the network. A defined roadmap outlines the trajectory towards achieving 100% utilisation of renewable power, aligning with the goals outlined in the NDC.

GREEN TELECOMMUNICATION

In recent years, India has actively pursued initiatives to promote green telecommunications. The government, in collaboration with the telecom service providers and infrastructure providers, has implemented various measures aimed at reducing the carbon footprint within the telecommunications sector.

Telecom companies have been incentivised to transition from conventional energy sources to renewable alternatives. Numerous companies have commenced the installation of solar panels, wind turbines, and fuel cells to power their cell towers and other infrastructure. This strategic shift reduces dependence on fossil fuels and contributes to a significant reduction in carbon emissions.

Continuous efforts by telecom infrastructure providers have resulted in a substantial reduction in diesel consumption at sites. Presently, approximately 30% of the sites are diesel-free. The number of such sites has seen a remarkable increase, reaching 2,23,913 as of June 2023, compared to 90,911 sites in December 2016. Consequently, there has been an annual saving of approximately 550 million litres of diesel.

INDUSTRY SCENARIO

India stands among the global leaders in the deployment of renewable energy, showcasing significant progress over the past decade and ranking as the fourth-largest producer of renewable energy worldwide.

Solar power takes the forefront as the most prominent renewable energy source in India, boasting an installed capacity exceeding 70 GW as of July 2023. The country’s ample solar resources make it an ideal location for solar energy generation, with expectations to surpass 100 GW by 2025.

Wind power is another major contributor to India’s renewable energy portfolio, with an installed capacity surpassing 43 GW. Favourable wind conditions in various regions, particularly along the coast and in the western states, contribute to this substantial capacity. The anticipated trajectory indicates India’s wind power capacity is expected to reach 60 GW by 2025.

Similarly, Small hydropower (SHP) has emerged as a significant renewable energy source in the country, particularly in hilly and mountainous regions. Recognised for its cleanliness and renewability, SHP boasts an installed capacity exceeding 4 GW. Besides, biomass energy, derived from organic materials like agricultural waste and forestry residues, holds importance as another renewable energy source in India.

Biomass finds applications in electricity generation, heating, and cooking. The country’s biomass power capacity exceeds 10 GW, contributing to India’s diverse and robust renewable energy landscape.

CHALLENGES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

Despite notable progress, India encounters challenges in its renewable energy journey, encompassing grid integration issues, land acquisition problems, storage limitations, and access to finance for smaller projects. The government is tasked with addressing these hurdles to further expedite the deployment of renewable energy in the country.

India has established ambitious targets, aiming to reduce the carbon intensity of the nation’s economy by less than 45% by the end of the decade. Additionally, the country strives to achieve 50% cumulative electric power installed by 2030 from renewables and attain net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. The grand vision includes reaching 500 GW of installed renewable energy capacity by 2030.

Furthering this commitment, India aims to produce five million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030, bolstered by 125 GW of renewable energy capacity. Notably, 57 solar parks with an aggregate capacity of 39.28 GW have received approval in India. The wind energy sector targets 30 GW from offshore sources by 2030, with potential sites already identified.

Continuous efforts by telecom infrastructure providers have led to an annual saving of approximately 550 million litres of diesel in India.

As of July 2023, renewable energy sources, including large hydropower, collectively contribute to an installed capacity of 176.49 GW. These targets align with the country’s commitment to global climate change mitigation efforts.

With robust policy support, abundant resources, and advancing technological capabilities, India stands poised to emerge as a global leader in renewable energy development. The country’s success in this sector carries significant implications for energy security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.

By TR Dua

The author is the Director General of the Digital Infrastructure Providers Association (DIPA).

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