Hydrogen Fuel Cells Ensure Uninterrupted Power for Telecom Towers

04 Mar 2025 CW Team

India has over a million telecom towers, many of which are in remote locations where ensuring round-the-clock operations is difficult due to limited grid connectivity. Traditionally, diesel generators have been the primary backup power source, but they are costly and contribute significantly to carbon emissions.

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) present an efficient and environmentally friendly alternative for powering telecom towers during grid failures. These fuel cells generate electricity with only water vapour as a by-product, offering a clean energy solution with high power density in a compact form. Running on hydrogen fuel, PEMFCs require minimal maintenance compared to conventional diesel generators. The technology functions through an electrochemical reaction where hydrogen is supplied to the anode, oxidised to release protons, which pass through a polymer membrane to the cathode, where they react with oxygen to produce electricity and water.

In line with global environmental goals, the Department of Telecommunications and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) have been actively promoting greener energy solutions. TRAI’s directives require a transition of at least 50 per cent of rural telecom towers and 33 per cent of urban towers to hybrid renewable energy sources. The integration of PEMFC technology with telecom towers supports this initiative, providing a sustainable and efficient backup power solution.

The Centre for Fuel Cell Technology (CFCT) at the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), under the Department of Science and Technology, has developed an innovative fuel cell-based backup power solution. A key feature of this system is its plug-and-play model, which enhances ease of deployment and security, making it suitable for widespread use.

In a pioneering demonstration, ARCI introduced a mobile PEMFC-based backup power solution for telecom towers, utilizing a plug-and-play setup. Unlike fixed installations, this system allows power generation units to be shared among multiple towers, ensuring efficient resource allocation and deployment in locations where diesel generators are impractical.

The demonstration took place at a telecom tower within the Pune Municipal Corporation limits, in collaboration with Resicorre Technologies, Nashik, which is focused on green energy solutions for both vehicular and stationary power applications. This project, part of the Advanced Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Call – 2021 initiative by the Department of Science and Technology, India, aims to establish a reliable hydrogen-based backup power system to enhance power resilience during outages.

As India continues to expand its digital infrastructure while prioritizing sustainability, hydrogen fuel cell technology presents a promising advancement for cleaner and more reliable telecom operations. This innovative approach marks a significant milestone in the transition toward sustainable energy solutions in the telecom sector.

News source: PIB

A hydrogen fuel cell-based backup power solution for telecom towers has been developed using a plug-and-play model, aligning with national renewable energy objectives while ensuring uninterrupted connectivity and promoting clean energy adoption in the telecom sector. India has over a million telecom towers, many of which are in remote locations where ensuring round-the-clock operations is difficult due to limited grid connectivity. Traditionally, diesel generators have been the primary backup power source, but they are costly and contribute significantly to carbon emissions. Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) present an efficient and environmentally friendly alternative for powering telecom towers during grid failures. These fuel cells generate electricity with only water vapour as a by-product, offering a clean energy solution with high power density in a compact form. Running on hydrogen fuel, PEMFCs require minimal maintenance compared to conventional diesel generators. The technology functions through an electrochemical reaction where hydrogen is supplied to the anode, oxidised to release protons, which pass through a polymer membrane to the cathode, where they react with oxygen to produce electricity and water. In line with global environmental goals, the Department of Telecommunications and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) have been actively promoting greener energy solutions. TRAI’s directives require a transition of at least 50 per cent of rural telecom towers and 33 per cent of urban towers to hybrid renewable energy sources. The integration of PEMFC technology with telecom towers supports this initiative, providing a sustainable and efficient backup power solution. The Centre for Fuel Cell Technology (CFCT) at the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), under the Department of Science and Technology, has developed an innovative fuel cell-based backup power solution. A key feature of this system is its plug-and-play model, which enhances ease of deployment and security, making it suitable for widespread use. In a pioneering demonstration, ARCI introduced a mobile PEMFC-based backup power solution for telecom towers, utilizing a plug-and-play setup. Unlike fixed installations, this system allows power generation units to be shared among multiple towers, ensuring efficient resource allocation and deployment in locations where diesel generators are impractical. The demonstration took place at a telecom tower within the Pune Municipal Corporation limits, in collaboration with Resicorre Technologies, Nashik, which is focused on green energy solutions for both vehicular and stationary power applications. This project, part of the Advanced Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Call – 2021 initiative by the Department of Science and Technology, India, aims to establish a reliable hydrogen-based backup power system to enhance power resilience during outages. As India continues to expand its digital infrastructure while prioritizing sustainability, hydrogen fuel cell technology presents a promising advancement for cleaner and more reliable telecom operations. This innovative approach marks a significant milestone in the transition toward sustainable energy solutions in the telecom sector. News source: PIB

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