WHITE PAPER
ALASTAIR MCQUEEN: MOVE TOWARD HYBRID SYSTEMS Telecoms is a growing market and regions of the world are moving at different speeds. However, there is a general trend in the less developed markets toward hybrid power systems that do not require generator sets. I can see low-kVA (kilovolt-amperes) – those between 7.5 to 100 kVA applications and possibly up to 300 kVA – moving increasingly to battery technology but the concern would be what happens when charging capability is diminished. Then it becomes a question of what you do in an emergency situation and how much capacity you need to be safe. There are also concerns over battery degradation and recycling. The Telecoms Sector According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the telecommunications and data centre sector accounts for approximately 2-3% of global electricity consumption. [20] While the percentage may seem small, the absolute amount of energy consumed by the telecoms sector is significant and growing rapidly due to the increasing demand for data and digital services. Telecoms networks are vast and complex, and transitioning these facilities to clean energy requires careful planning and investment in energy-efficient technologies, renewable energy installations and smart grid integration.
Technological advancements play a pivotal role in enabling the telecoms sector’s clean energy transition. Innovations in network virtualisation, energy-efficient equipment and renewable energy technologies can significantly reduce energy consumption and emissions. As with the data centre sector, considerations of reliability are key when it comes to the supply of power. Conclusions The journey towards a net zero carbon future demands a profound evolution of the electrical ecosystem. This white paper has explored the multifaceted aspects of this transition, highlighting the critical changes and innovations shaping the future of energy generation and consumption. The landscape of prime movers is shifting dramatically, with traditional internal combustion engines being augmented and, in some cases, replaced by cleaner alternatives such as batteries, fuel cells, and variable speed generators. This technological evolution is not only enhancing efficiency but also significantly reducing carbon emissions, contributing to the broader goal of decarbonisation. Infrastructure remains a significant challenge in this transition. Upgrading the existing grid to accommodate distributed energy resources (DERs) and integrating advanced storage solutions are essential steps towards a resilient and sustainable energy system. Microgrids are emerging as a vital component in this new paradigm, offering flexibility, reliability, and cost savings by optimising the use of various energy resources. The development and adoption of alternative technologies, such as batteries and fuel cells, are crucial for achieving net zero. While batteries are improving in efficiency and capacity, issues related to storage
34 | Winter 2025 POWERLINE
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