Abstract:

The telecommunications industry in Nigeria is the most dynamic in Africa and has been growing rapidly since 1999, thereby impacting the economy positively. However, it is contributing to 40% of world’s CO2 emissions which is from fossil fueled electricity generation. Burning of fuels to power cell sites increases global carbon footprint as it increases carbon dioxide (CO2) production — the major heat-trapping, “greenhouse gas” accountable for global warming. This is a primary study that considers the potential application of hybrid power technology to reduce carbon emissions in a foremost telecommunication company in Nigeria. Fossil fuel use and electricity consumption data from all the cell sites are collected and analyzed to determine the emissions level and possible reduction through a hybrid system – thereby transforming their energy supply. Hybrid system includes the use of renewable energy sources in the energy mix such as solar energy. The hybrid system relies on optimizing the existing assets from diesel powered generators and a mix of photovoltaic panels and backup batteries such that minimum generating capacities are required to power electronics. Main opportunities for telecommunication firms in Nigeria include generating electricity from solar energy sources given the country’s geographical location that makes it easy to access solar energy from the sun. However, some challenges include shortage of investments in solar technology, absence of political will, and lack of consumer awareness about solar power utilization. Transformation of energy generation in the telecommunication industry will lead to job creation in the renewable energy industry.