In the sprawling landscapes of emerging economies, where mobile networks are rapidly expanding, a significant challenge looms for telecom operators: ensuring reliable and affordable power for their base transceiver stations (BTS). Muhammad Bilal Ali, a researcher at the U.S.-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Energy (USPCAS-E) at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) in Islamabad, Pakistan, has tackled this issue head-on. His recent study, published in IEEE Access, offers a compelling solution that could revolutionize not just the telecom sector, but also the broader energy landscape.
Ali’s research focuses on integrating renewable energy technologies (RET) into BTS operations, creating a hybrid renewable energy (HRE) system that is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. The system is designed to harness the region’s available energy resources, converting and storing power efficiently. This isn’t just about keeping the lights on at BTS sites; it’s about transforming these stations into hubs of clean energy that can power electric vehicle (EV) charging stations as well.
The study, which simulated the performance of the proposed system using real load data from 15 BTS locations across Pakistan, revealed staggering results. “After integrating on-grid HRE resources, there is a significant decrease in objective parameters,” Ali explains. Specifically, the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) dropped by 87.97%, and the net present cost (NPC) saw a 95.26% reduction. These figures translate to substantial savings, with LCOE plummeting from $0.03384 per kWh to $0.00407 per kWh, and NPC falling from $0.09173 million to $0.00434 million.
The implications of this research are vast. For the telecom industry, it means more reliable and cost-effective operations, which can lead to improved service quality and expanded network coverage. For the energy sector, it opens up new avenues for integrating renewable energy sources into the grid, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and promoting sustainable development. “By making BTS operations more cost-efficient, environmentally friendly, and dependably effective, the recommended approach will improve both living circumstances of host communities and quality of mobile services,” Ali notes.
But the benefits don’t stop there. The integration of EV charging stations at BTS sites could spur the adoption of electric vehicles, further reducing carbon emissions and promoting a greener future. This dual-purpose use of BTS infrastructure could also attract incentives, making the investment even more attractive.
As we look to the future, Ali’s research could shape the development of smart grids and microgrids, where BTS sites serve as energy hubs. This approach could be particularly impactful in remote or underserved areas, where traditional grid infrastructure is lacking. By leveraging the existing telecom infrastructure, we can accelerate the transition to renewable energy and create a more resilient and sustainable energy system.
The study, published in IEEE Access, titled “Leveraging Clean Power From Base Transceiver Stations for Hybrid and Fast Electric Vehicle Charging Stations System With Energy Storage Devices,” provides a roadmap for this transformative change. It’s a testament to the power of interdisciplinary research and a call to action for policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators to embrace this holistic approach to energy and telecom infrastructure.