PowerUP Energy Technologies has partnered with a major telecommunications company Tele2 to launch innovative and environmentally friendly energy solutions for its cell towers. The hydrogen fuel cell generator solution will serve as an alternative power source during electricity supply disruptions.

PowerUP Energy Technologies is thrilled to announce its collaboration with another major telecommunications company Tele2 to launch innovative and environmentally friendly energy solutions for its cell towers. This partnership represents a significant step in Tele2’s commitment to sustainability and advancing eco-conscious practices in the telecommunications industry.

The PowerUP generators will serve as alternative power sources during electricity supply disruptions caused by extreme weather conditions or human error.

“Besides the sustainability goal that is essential to us and our customers, hydrogen generators can achieve higher energy efficiency compared to diesel generators. This means that a mobile operator can generate the same amount of power using less fuel, resulting in cost savings and reduced dependency on fossil fuels,” said Tanel Sarri, CTO at Tele2 Estonia.

Sarri added that although the initial investment for hydrogen generators for telecoms might be higher than for diesel generators, the long-term cost savings can be significant. With the increasing availability and decreasing costs of hydrogen production technologies, the overall cost of hydrogen-based systems is expected to become more competitive over time. That is also how Tele2 can offer the best service at the best price on the market.

The benefits of hydrogen fuel cell generators

Hydrogen generators offer numerous advantages over traditional diesel generators: they operate silently, produce no greenhouse gas emissions, require minimal maintenance and can be used indoors. Tele2’s initial test conducted at the Kostivere cell tower featured two 1kW hydrogen generators and a 50-liter hydrogen cylinder, proving the viability of this eco-friendly alternative. 

One of the key benefits of employing backup hydrogen generators for telecoms is the seamless transition they enable. The Kostivere base station can now operate on hydrogen for up to ten hours, while on batteries alone, it can only last a few hours. In most cases, this window allows ample time for the restoration of normal electricity supply. To increase reserve energy, it is very simple to add another hydrogen cylinder. With more tanks on-site, hydrogen power can last for several days.

The portable hydrogen fuel cell-powered generators provided by PowerUP Energy Technologies offer remarkable advantages in terms of environmental impact. These generators use hydrogen to produce power without emitting carbon dioxide, instead emitting harmless water vapor through the electrochemical reaction that is taking place inside the fuel cell. 

Hydrogen generators for Telecoms

Their compact size and noiseless operation make them suitable for indoor electricity generation. Additionally, the portable nature of these generators, with the 1kW variant weighing only 27 kg, makes them versatile for various applications, ranging from critical infrastructure, such as tower cells and hospitals, to office buildings, off-grid systems, and travel vans. 

Ivar Kruusenberg, the founder of PowerUP Energy Technologies, highlighted the industry-wide trend toward environmentally friendly technology adoption. “All major European telecoms have committed to replacing fossil fuels with eco-friendly alternatives, and we are truly excited to already have two of the local big players using our generators,” Kruusenberg stated. He added that although batteries may have lower initial costs, hydrogen generators prove cost-effective in the long run and are ideal for confined spaces, such as the Kostivere cell tower for example. In addition, hydrogen can essentially be stored in a tank for decades without deteriorating.

“With improved green energy policies, hydrogen has become a viable and accessible fuel, enabling eco-friendly solutions. It also offers energy independence from geopolitically sensitive fossil fuel sources.” highlighted Kruusenberg.

PowerUP Energy Technologies, an industry frontrunner, is a deep tech company dedicated to developing and producing innovative and environmentally friendly energy solutions. With a strong focus on quality and innovation, PowerUP is at the forefront of driving sustainable energy alternatives.