Imagine cell phone service that stays on, even when the power goes out, and does so without polluting the environment. Thanks to a new technology developed in India, that vision is becoming a reality. Scientists have created a hydrogen fuel cell system to provide backup power to telecom towers, offering a cleaner and more reliable alternative to traditional diesel generators.
With over a million telecom towers across India, many in remote areas with unreliable grid power, maintaining constant service is a challenge. Diesel generators have been the go-to backup solution, but they’re expensive to run and contribute significantly to air pollution. Recognizing the need for a greener alternative, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) supported the development of a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell system.
Developed at the Centre for Fuel Cell Technology (CFCT), part of the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), the new system utilizes hydrogen to generate electricity with only water vapor as a byproduct. Unlike diesel generators, these fuel cells are environmentally friendly, compact, and require less maintenance. This aligns with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) push for telecom towers to transition to renewable energy sources.
What makes this system particularly innovative is its “plug-and-play” design. The mobile fuel cell unit can be easily transported and shared among multiple telecom towers, providing backup power wherever it’s needed most. This is especially useful in remote locations where maintaining diesel generator setups can be difficult and costly.
The ARCI successfully demonstrated the technology at a telecom tower in Pune, in collaboration with Resicorre Technologies. The project, sponsored by the DST, aims to create a reliable and resilient power solution using fuel cells.
This innovative approach could revolutionize the telecom sector by reducing its carbon footprint while ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for millions of users. As India expands its digital infrastructure and embraces sustainability, hydrogen fuel cells offer a promising pathway to cleaner and more reliable telecom operations. This technology is a game-changer that could transform how telecom towers are powered, paving the way for a greener and more connected future.
