Basestations shift greenwards

Renewable energy will power 4.5% of the world’s mobile base stations by 2014, up from 0.11% this year, claims a report from Colorado-based analyst Pike Research.

“Developing countries are seeing unprecedented growth in wireless subscribers. Many of the base stations in these areas are in remote locales that have limited or no access to grid power,” said the firm. “Renewable energy from solar panels and small wind turbines offers a viable alternative to diesel generators in these remote off-grid sites said the firm.

Pike’s prediction is that solar and wind equipment will be combined with batteries and fuel cells, and that the shift will be aided by a reduction in basestation power consumption.

The report is called Green Telecom Networks.