Hotspot and Husk Power deploy solar power at rural telecom hubs
Telecommunications service provider, Hotspot Network Limited (HNL) is in partnership with Husk Power Systems to displace diesel generating plants at off grid telecommunication mast stations in rural Nigeria.
A statement from Husk Power Systems which operates large fleet of rural solar-hybrid microgrids announced that the partnership would work in Nigeria to transition mobile telecom towers from diesel fired generation to solar power.
The company stated that the partners would in the process of powering telecom mast stations also bundle electricity and connectivity solutions for off-grid communities.
The two companies have already converted nearly 20 of Hotspot’s mobile towers from diesel to solar, and expect to complete at least 100 projects by the middle of 2023.
Nigeria’s estimated 25,000 telecom towers and their base transceiver stations (BTS) use 1.25 million liters of diesel daily. Per tower, that is equivalent to 50 tonnes of avoided CO2 emissions annually if converted to solar.
By working with Husk Power, Hotspot is able to go zero-carbon from design to installation, reducing both capital and operational costs, accelerating their energy transition and avoiding risks from global diesel price volatility. Hotspot can now guarantee 100% clean energy service to mobile and data customers on a 24/7 basis.
In addition, the two companies have started to collaborate in introducing cost-effective energy and digital communications services to off-grid communities. Already two communities where Husk was operating solar microgrids have also accessed mobile coverage for the first time through Hotspot. The previous lack of coverage meant an inability for local businesses and households to take advantage of mobile payment and other digital services.
”By partnering with commercial and industrial businesses, we can speed up Nigeria’s C&I energy transition, and also open up more low carbon, modern services to drive economic opportunities where they didn’t previously exist,” said Husk Nigeria Country Director, Olu Aruike.
“For Husk, reliable network coverage also enables us to better serve our customers, which is our ultimate mission.”
According to Founder and Chief Executive of Hotspot Network Ltd, Engr. Morenikeji Aniye, “We believe firmly that the key to unlocking sustained global economic growth is through digital inclusion of the rural communities; providing them with access to the needed tools, funding and the markets to distribute their various commodities and trade. This partnership enables us to deliver on our mission to digitize the underserved and underserved communities more efficiently and sustainably, whilst taking care of our planet.”
Husk Power Systems, founded in 2008, claims to be the leading net-zero energy services company operating across Asia and Africa. Its smart and sustainable solutions, centered on community solar micro-grids, accelerate access to clean, modern and affordable electricity and catalyze socio-economic development.
Husk said its focus on the customer meets the growing aspirations of businesses and households, adding that its grid-integration solution supports national electrification plans.
