MTN bets big on wind and solar energy

MTN South Africa is launching a series of hybrid wind and solar renewable energy projects, which will bolster its network reliance from higher stages of load shedding.

The group said that the hybrid renewable energy systems will provide green energy to power its assets sustainability and reduce its reliance on unstable grids.

The launch starts with a small-scale field trial in Worcester in the Western Cape, with the overall project expected to be completed within six months by the third quarter of the year.

It will then be followed by a series of projects in the Eastern Cape, given it is a proven geographic destination for wind energy.

MTN added that the new energy projects would avoid the need to work with complicated masts, wires, or towers, and the windmills being used will be installed at various levels of a cell tower to harness more energy.

It added that the standout feature of the project is its seamless integration with its telecommunications equipment to provide hybrid energy generation for Base Transceiver Station (BTS) sites and other asset classes with a low workload.

Moreover, the use of alternative energy will reduce the amount of diesel burnt per site by reducing generator run hours.

Renewables will also increase power security per site, mitigating the effects of load shedding by using hybrid, wind, solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, and battery arrays.

Load shedding costs MTN R695 million – as it gears up for stage 8

MTN added that it is making strides in its four-phase green energy programme, with planned initiatives including onsite renewable deployment, off-site renewable power purchase agreements and driving energy efficiencies at its buildings and infrastructure.

This included decommissioning unnecessary high-energy hardware and using energy-efficient lighting replacements.

“MTN is firmly on track to deliver broad, deep-rooted and beneficial alternative energy projects that make a difference to the planet while ensuring we deliver network stability and excellence to our customers,” Charles Molapisi, CEO of MTN SA, said.

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