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Green Energy Efficient Power Solutions

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Sambo Dasuki, NSA
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Opinion

Telecom and tech companies could, and will, make billions by serving the ‘Next Billion’ customers in the developing world. However, new strategies are needed to reach this attractive market in an economically viable way.

To begin with, mobile operators must adopt green cost-saving power solutions for their networks. All indications show that they are in fact doing this right now, with major implications for the industry and the environment.

The adoption of green power solutions as the strategy of choice for mobile operators going forward would prevent many million tons of CO2 emissions – enough to actually make a difference.

Operators could save up to 20 percent of their total cost mass, freeing up capital to expand their footprint and make the necessary investments to serve the Next Billion customers, most of whom are living off grid or in bad grid locations – exactly where these green power solutions are needed most.

And with these customers typically of the low ARPU type, using cost effective green power solutions to serve them would also help make them profitable for the operator.

No other practice in the mobile telecom industry is more environmentally harmful than powering several hundred thousand of off-grid base stations by burning diesel fuel.

One single diesel powered base station can consume around 20,000 litres of diesel per year, and spew 50 tonnes of carbon emission into the atmosphere.

And no other practice is more financially onerous for mobile operators. Operating a single diesel powered base station can cost $40,000 per year.

For many operators in developing markets energy is the single largest cost item, often representing as much as 40-50 percent of total operating costs, and the energy cost item is high due to the use of fossil fuel to power base stations.

The good news is that there are alternatives to powering base stations with diesel, particularly those located in sunny and/or windy locations.

There are several companies offering power management solutions based on renewable energy sources, with control systems and battery banks for energy capture and storage.

And even without renewable energy sources, simply using energy efficient power systems based on intelligent controllers and batteries, power for base stations can become “green” using a fraction of the diesel currently used today.

Short payback time makes investment decision a no-brainer

These alternatives exist today, and are proven to deliver savings in fuel-related operating expenses by 20, 30, 50 and in some cases (the eSite) 90 percent, when the system is highly energy efficient and uses a sophisticated controller. Converted into hard cash, this equates to annual savings of more than $30,000 per base station per year, making the investment decision a virtual ‘no-brainer’ with payback times of less than two years (on equipment that can last for ten years or more).

There are several hundred thousands off-grid and bad grid sites in the developing world, mainly in Asia and Africa – which are also the biggest and fastest growing mobile markets in the world.

The overwhelming majority of them are powered by diesel or inefficient battery-hybrid solutions. Still, only around 3 percent of the base stations in developing markets use green energy.

So why aren’t there more green base stations out there powered by energy efficient power solutions and renewable energy?

And why do network operators continue to spend so much money on base station diesel fuel when lower cost and more sustainable alternatives have existed for some time? These aren’t easy questions to answer, but I believe that there are a number of contributing reasons:

. Operators are more focused on expanding their services than on reducing OPEX. There has been a clear push to roll out services to as many potential customers as possible, as quickly as possible. The operators have always made good money, so why worry about costs now? 

. Most organisations are slow to see opportunities to save. This is particularly true for larger organisations and mobile operators are typically huge companies.

. Power management is not a core competence for most operators. As such, it’s not getting the attention it needs and possibly not at a high enough management level, where the impact of the potential savings on operating expenses and bottom line would be most keenly felt.

. The business case proposition has, until now, not been compelling enough to get the attention of senior management. Renewable energy solutions are relatively new technologically and payback times have not been short enough.  Also, some operators have had bad experiences with early equipment that have impacted the decisions to go ahead with the much more advanced green power solutions available today.

.  Evaluating solutions will take time when several suppliers, and local options, are considered and results are evaluated over seasonal changes. 

.  Power related equipment is part of the passive infrastructure which, in many organisations, is purchased only on price and not performance. Focus has therefore been on keeping CAPEX budgets low rather than reducing OPEX costs in the long run.

.  The diesel distribution chain is strongly entrenched in many countries, making it difficult to introduce new technologies that reduce the dependence on diesel.

On reflection, at least half of the reasons above are just poor business sense – decisions that are simply ill informed and un-thought through, such as buying inferior equipment just because it is cheaper to purchase even if it is more expensive to operate. You can also call them inexplicable – no reasonable CEO should invest in something that is so much more expensive in the long run.

So what could and should be done to change this clearly sub-optimal way of powering base stations in off-grid and bad grid locations around the world?

Luckily, no major intervention is needed as the situation is about to change by itself. Market forces are now putting increasing pressure on mobile operators to reduce their operating costs, driven by the data boom that is putting a strain on the infrastructure, and the competition which is squeezing call rates. 

On top of this, the cost of diesel cannot be expected to decrease in the long run – rather the opposite. And green power management solutions are now seen as tested and efficient enough to not be regarded as a risky choice.

There are many factors that suggest that we are on the threshold of a major shift to adopt green power for base stations.

One example on the ground is Airtel’s current program to roll out hundreds of brand new state-of-the-art green power solutions all across Africa.

It is a clear mind shift and also takes into account the positive effects to the brand by migrating from dirty base stations to green base stations. Mobile operators do not want to be seen as environmental ‘bad guys’.

 As I see it, green power management solutions are essential to reach the Next Billion customers. They are essential to the operators’ bottom lines, and their long term financial health.  And they are essential for the health of our planet. Implement them and everybody wins.

 David King, CEO, Flexenclosure, a specialist developer of intelligent power management systems and pre-fabricated data centres for the telecom industry.


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E-Business

NIMC Grants NCoS Licence to Register Inmates for NIN

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National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has granted licence for the Nigerian Correctional Service, (NCoS) to register inmates in the over 252 custodial centres across the country for National Identity Numbers, (NIN).

NIMC Grants NCoS Licence to Register Inmates for NIN

The approval followed the request made by Sylvester Nwakuche, acting controller general of the NCoS, who paid a visit to Engr Abisoye Coker-Odusote, director general/chief executive Officer of NIMC, in her office.

The acting controller-general, said the licence to carry out registration of inmates for NIN would eliminate exclusion of inmates from the country’s National Development plans, ensure their safety and security and facilitate their smooth recapture in times of jailbreaks.

The NCoS boss said the visit to the headquarters of NIMC was in search of collaboration that would enable the Service carry out its mandate seamlessly following on going reforms of the Correctional Service system.

According to Nwakuche, there are lots of socio-economic developments within the Correctional Service systems which had led to a number of inmates obtaining University degrees, Masters Degrees and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in various fields.

He said such inmates should not be excluded from the national development plans of the country as they should be integrated into the society to become useful for their families and the country.

Nwakuche said inside the Correctional centres are those awaiting trials whose innocence and otherwise has to be decided by the Courts, but argued that in times of National planning, census and other critical national development issues, they should not be disallowed from participating.

Coker-Odusote who granted the licence said NIN has become critical and essential to the country’s national development plans, stressing that NIMC has gone far with the private sector, especially the banks and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as all banks accounts are now linked with the NIN.

Coker-Odusote said the Eight points Agenda of President Bola Tinubu are also anchored on the Country’s digital identity or National identity Number, stressing that for instance NIN was tied to students loans to eradicate duplicity and prevent ghost beneficiaries.

Coker-Odusote expressed delight in the partnership with the NCoS, saying that the Commission had already entered into partnership with the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS and other agencies in order to facilitate the smooth delivery of their constitutional mandates.

She commended Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of Interior, for his dynamic leadership and role in ensuring the delivery of dividends of democracy to Nigeria through various reforms.


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NIMC Trains 388 Personnel to Boost NIN Enrolment

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National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has kicked off a three-day training program for 388 personnel aimed at enhancing the National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment process across the country.

NIMC Trains 388 Personnel to Boost NIN Enrolment

The training, tagged “Refresher Training of Trainers on NIN Integration to the National Social Register: Technical and hands-on devices and field operations and procedures”, is in collaboration with the National Social Safety-Net Coordinating Office.

The training is also to equip personnel with the necessary skills to efficiently handle the complexities of enrolment processes

In her address at the event held in Port Harcourt on Monday, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, director-general and chief executive officer, NIMC, noted that the initiative aligns with the commission’s overarching goal of achieving secured and great success for the Renewed Hope social initiatives.

Represented by Adedapo Adedoyin, her technical advisor on ICT, the NIMC DG said the event is a pivotal initiative that marks a significant step forward in our mission to enhance and modernize the National Identification Number enrolment process across Nigeria.

She stated, “Today, I am pleased to announce the launch of a comprehensive training program aimed at refreshing the technical and operational skills of the National Social Safety-Net Coordinating Office State Operations Coordinating Unit and NIMC staff.

“This initiative focuses on practical and field-based exercises, ensuring that our teams are well-equipped to handle the complexities of enrolment processes with precision and efficiency.

“This initiative aligns with our overarching goal of achieving secured and great success for the Renewed Hope social initiatives. Through verified digital identification, we aim to improve the lives of Nigerians by providing them with access to essential services and opportunities that require a reliable and secure identity verification system”.

Coker-Odusote explained that the training program will be conducted in two batches, encompassing four states: Kwara, Nasarawa, Kano, and Rivers. A total of 388 attendees will participate in this initiative, including 225 NASSCO State Operations Coordinating Unit representatives, 35 NIMC facilitators, and 128 State support staff.

She added, “The sessions are meticulously designed to foster knowledge sharing and hands-on experience with NIMC’s enrolment device and software, ensuring that our personnel are adept at using these tools to their full potential.

“By empowering our teams with enhanced skills and practical experience, we are setting the stage for more efficient and accurate NIN enrolment processes across the nation”.

Coker-Odusote further said the training program “is a crucial step toward achieving the World Bank’s Identification for Development Initiative target of enrolling 180 million Nigerians with secure digital IDs.

“By bolstering our technical and operational capabilities, we are ensuring that NIMC is well-positioned to meet and exceed this target, thereby contributing to the global vision of inclusive and accessible digital identification for all”.

The NIMC boss8 called for collaboration between all stakeholders saying, “As we embark on this journey, I urge all participants to embrace this opportunity for growth and development.

“Together, we can build a robust and efficient National Identification System that will serve as the cornerstone for Nigeria’s social and economic progress.”

 


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Kaspersky Discovers New Scam Scheme Targeting Businesses on Social Media

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Kaspersky experts have uncovered a new phishing scam targeting businesses that promote their pages on Facebook. Scammers send emails allegedly on behalf of Meta for Business – Facebook’s platform for businesses – claiming the recipient’s page contains prohibited content.

The email suggests users provide explanations in order for their account and page to be unblocked. The goal of the attackers is likely to get access to users’ business accounts.

Kaspersky’s anonymised data shows that such emails started reaching users on 14 December 2024, with complaints coming from organisations all over the world, including the Middle East, Turkiye and Africa.

By examining the “From” field in the email it can be seen that the domain does not belong to Facebook. According to Kaspersky data the emails that this campaign used were sent from different domains.

The link in the email redirects users to Facebook Messenger. On Messenger, the account posing as Facebook’s support team appears legitimate, creating a false sense of trust.

There is an indication that this is a fan page, but it is easy to miss in a situation of high stress after being accused of spreading illegitimate content.

This scheme stands out for its sophistication. Unlike earlier scams that accused users of copyright violations and directed them to respond via email, this approach simulates internal communication on the Facebook platform itself.

“In 2025, we anticipate a rise in attacks leveraging social engineering and user trust in major platforms. Scams like this are becoming more sophisticated as attackers strive to mimic official services closely.

“Users must remain vigilant, verify the authenticity of messages, and avoid clicking on suspicious links. We strongly advise users not to engage with suspicious accounts and to activate additional security measures, such as two-factor authentication.

“If you receive such an email, report the incident to Facebook’s support team and update your passwords immediately if any information has been compromised,” comments Andrey Kovtun, Email Threats Protection Group Manager at Kaspersky.

 

 


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