In Nigeria, telecommunications is one of the sectors that consume the most electrical energy. As climate change accelerates, the telecoms regulator wants to introduce renewable energy sources to reduce the impact on the environment.
The Nigerian communications commission (NCC) has called on mobile network operators to switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy. The initiative should not only reduce the costs of services, but also contribute to the fight against climate change.
According to Umar Danbatta, executive vice president of the NCC, telecom operators must implement a modern and more energy-efficient network. “ This includes the use of solar cells, wireless electricity or a hybrid system to replace more energy-intensive equipment, which will result in reduced capital expenditure (CAPEX), operational expenditure (OPEX) and, hence, a reduction in service costs for consumers ,” he added.
This initiative comes as more and more mobile operators around the world are committed to reducing their carbon footprint in a context marked by accelerating climate change. In its “2022 Mobile Net Zero Report”, the Global Telephone Operators Association (GSMA) reports that 49 operators representing 62% of the industry by revenue have now pledged to rapidly reduce emissions over the next decade.
Remember that Nigerian telecom operators are often faced with energy crises marked by repetitive breakdowns of the national electricity network as well as diesel shortages and soaring prices. This increases the operating costs of telecom companies.
In addition, the regulator is working on the development of a policy to promote the use of renewable energy sources by telecom companies, in accordance with the requirements of the International Telecommunications Union (IUT). The said policy, once implemented, is expected to help reduce diesel use, expand telecom infrastructure in off-grid areas and reduce carbon emissions.