Olufemi Adeyemi 

Telecommunications provider Airtel Nigeria has announced the implementation of alternative energy solutions to power its base stations nationwide, aiming to reduce the soaring diesel costs, which have reached N28 billion monthly.

Femi Adeniran, the Director of Corporate Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility, shared this information during a media roundtable held in Lagos on Tuesday.

He indicated that the company is now utilizing solar energy and other renewable sources to energize its more than 15,000 base stations, which collectively consume approximately 22 million liters of diesel each month.

It is worth noting that the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) had previously stated its commitment to facilitating a transition to alternative energy sources for all telecom operators in the country.

In addition to the necessity of reducing costs in response to current economic conditions, Adeniran emphasized that the transition to solar energy is also part of the company's broader initiative to adopt environmentally friendly practices.

"We are committed to minimizing our carbon footprint. Our transition to grid and solar power will significantly reduce diesel consumption and mitigate the impacts of climate change in Nigeria,” he said. 

Airtel Nigeria's Chief Technical Officer, Mr. Harmanpreet Dhillon, announced that the telecommunications company plans to invest in lithium-ion batteries instead of conventional batteries, contributing to a reduction in their carbon footprint. He further stated that in addition to minimizing their environmental impact, the company is also implementing outdoor-operable electronics and telecom equipment.

These devices are designed to endure harsh conditions, including extreme temperatures, humidity, and dust, thereby removing the necessity for climate-controlled indoor environments.

Previously, conventional equipment was highly susceptible to temperature fluctuations, necessitating the use of indoor spaces with air conditioning, which in turn led to increased energy usage.

Currently, we are acquiring equipment capable of functioning in various environments, resulting in reduced power consumption and eliminating the need for high kilowatt usage, he stated.

Also, the Director of Information Technology at Airtel Nigeria, Kemi Ariyo, stated that the telecommunications company will lead the way in adopting green technologies, beginning with its data centre. She indicated that the data centre, anticipated to be finished by 2027, will significantly improve the company's capacity and sustainability efforts.