Airtel Nigeria, one of the country’s leading telecommunications operators, has announced its shift toward alternative energy solutions, including solar power, to cut down on its skyrocketing diesel expenses. The company revealed that it currently spends a staggering ₦28 billion per month on diesel to power over 15,000 base stations nationwide, consuming roughly 22 million liters of diesel monthly.
During a media roundtable in Lagos on Tuesday, Airtel Nigeria’s Director of Corporate Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility, Femi Adeniran, disclosed the telco’s plan to leverage renewable energy sources. According to Adeniran, Airtel is deploying solar energy as part of its strategy to reduce diesel consumption and minimize the company’s carbon footprint.
“We are committed to minimizing our carbon footprint. Our transition to grid and solar power will significantly reduce diesel consumption and mitigate the impacts of climate change in Nigeria,” Adeniran stated.
The shift to solar power aligns with Airtel’s broader sustainability efforts to go green while addressing the economic pressures of rising diesel prices. Airtel’s Chief Technical Officer, Harmanpreet Dhillon, added that the telco is also investing in Lithium-ion batteries, which offer better energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact compared to traditional batteries.
“Apart from reducing our carbon footprint, we are adopting outdoor-operable electronics and telecom equipment that can withstand extreme environmental conditions without the need for air conditioning, further reducing power consumption,” Dhillon explained.
Airtel Nigeria’s shift to renewable energy reflects a broader trend within the Nigerian telecom industry. With the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) urging telecom operators to adopt renewable energy sources, many players, including MTN Nigeria, are exploring solar and wind power to reduce their operational costs.
The escalating costs of fuel and energy, combined with the NCC’s refusal to approve tariff hikes, have forced telecom companies to find innovative ways to maintain profitability without passing the burden onto consumers.
Nigeria’s telecommunications sector has been grappling with high operational costs due to fuel price increases and the nation’s unreliable grid. Airtel Nigeria, like many telecom operators, has been severely impacted by these challenges and has begun adopting renewable energy solutions to cut costs and ensure long-term sustainability.
With solar power now a key focus, Airtel’s move towards renewable energy is expected to reduce its diesel consumption significantly, potentially serving as a model for other telecom operators facing similar challenges in the country.
As the Nigerian telecom industry continues to explore renewable energy options, Airtel Nigeria’s commitment to transitioning to solar power signals a crucial step toward reducing the industry’s heavy reliance on diesel. With rising energy costs affecting the bottom line, this move is not only a financial necessity but also part of a larger commitment to environmental sustainability.
The shift to greener energy could pave the way for other telecom operators in Nigeria to embrace solar power and renewable solutions, potentially revolutionizing the country’s telecom infrastructure.
