11.07.2024
White spot gone:O2 Telefónica deploys first energy self-sufficient mobile phone mast in Bavaria
The new mobile phone mast does not have a conventional power connection
The telecommunications provider O2 Telefónica has put Bavaria's first mobile phone base station into operation that operates completely independently of the general power supply. In Sindlbach, in the district of Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz, photovoltaic modules and biomethanol fuel cells supply the newly erected mast with sustainable energy. O2 Telefónica is thus closing a white spot for its local customers. They can now surf and make calls using the modern 5G standard, 4G (LTE) and 2G (GSM). O2 Telefónica is working on closing the last white spots and driving forward the network expansion quickly and sustainably.
Closing white spots sustainably
Mallik Rao
"With the energy self-sufficient sites, we are able to supply even rural and remote regions with a fast mobile network where a conventional power supply is lacking or would be too expensive. We rely on green electricity and high energy efficiency. In this way, we are closing the last white spots in a sustainable way. Sindlbach in Bavaria symbolizes modern mobile network coverage in rural areas," says Mallik Rao, Chief Technology & Information Officer at O2 Telefónica.
Hubert Aiwanger
Bavaria's Minister of Economic Affairs Hubert Aiwanger: “The expansion of mobile networks also needs to continue in rural and remote areas. Innovative solutions such as energy self-sufficient radio masts are therefore a very good addition, especially in areas with a weak infrastructure. The combination of photovoltaics, batteries and fuel cells is a model for many other locations. I am delighted that Bavaria is at the forefront of this development nationwide. As the Ministry of Economic Affairs, we are working with the operators to ensure a high level of expansion in Bavaria. In 2023 alone, almost 500 new radio sites have been set up.”
Green power for mobile communications
The new mobile phone mast from O2 Telefónica closes a blank spot in the municipality of Berg, Sindlbach district
The new mobile phone mast in Sindlbach is located in the middle of agricultural and forestry land. A power line to operate the technology is lacking far and wide. The innovative solution: at the mobile phone tower in Sindlbach, the energy is generated directly on site and emission-free. The main source of energy is a photovoltaic system. The electricity is temporarily stored in large lithium-ion batteries and is therefore always available. A biomethanol fuel cell supplies the energy for days with little sunshine. This alone could supply energy for two months in continuous operation with just one charge. The system is controlled using state-of-the-art cloud technology and AI. This makes it possible to switch automatically between the two energy sources as required. The self-generated energy on site saves over 13,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year compared to a conventional installation.
Connecting people, reducing emissions
A dwarf among giants: Despite its height of 50 metres, the mast is barely noticeable compared to the neighbouring wind turbines
Whether wind turbines or photovoltaics - O2 Telefónica has been generating energy for the operation of its masts directly on site for years. There are around a dozen mobile phone masts across Germany whose power supply is supported by photovoltaic systems. At the beginning of 2024, the telecommunications provider took the next step and put the first completely energy self-sufficient radio tower into operation in Kirtorf, Hesse. Energy self-sufficient sites are an integral part of O2 Telefónica's sustainability strategy.
The O2 network has been operated exclusively with green electricity since 2016. Energy consumption per data volume fell by 83 per cent in 2023 compared to 2015. The nationwide 5G expansion is also progressing. O2 Telefónica reaches more than 95 per cent of the population with 5G.
Six large solar modules absorb the sunlight - even when it's a little cloudy
Lots of technology: The base station with network technology (left), a fuel cell (right) and solar panels (in the background) ensure that the site is radio-controlled
Jürgen Klaue, Senior Expert at O2 Telefónica, tests the 5G technology at the site
Visible on the horizon: the new mobile phone base is surrounded by idyllic countryside
Networker video (subtitled): O2 Telefónica sets up sites completely independently of the general power supply
In spring 2024, O2 Telefónica launched the first mobile communications site in Germany in Kirtorf, Hesse, that operates without a conventional power connection. In the video, Dag Hüdepohl, Senior Engineer Infrastructure, explains the goal O2 Telefónica is pursuing with this innovative concept.
Downloads:
Mallik Rao, JPG, HighRes
Jürgen Klaue - 5G technology, JPG, HighRes
Mobile phone mast - Sindlbach 1, JPG, HighRes
Mobile phone mast - Sindlbach 2, JPG, HighRes
Mobile phone mast - Sindlbach 3, JPG, HighRes
Mobile phone mast - Sindlbach 4, JPG, HighRes
[Mobile phone mast - Sindlbach 5, JPG, HighRes
Network technology Sindlbach, JPG, HighRes