The experiment, which involves DOCOMO's hydroelectric power-generation system and a jet turbine developed by Professor Yukihiro Shimatani of the Prefectural University of Kumamoto, aims to prove the feasibility of a self-powered base station using water flowing in an irrigation canal, etc., as a sustainable, low-cost solution for mobile communication networks in rural areas.
The goal of this experiment is to demonstrate the feasibility of a self-powered base station using water flowing in an irrigation canal as a sustainable, low-cost solution for mobile communication networks, particularly in rural areas.
 |
The jet turbine incorporates a nozzle that emits a stream of water, or "jet," to drive the turbine's rotation in the opposite direction and thereby generate electricity. While conventional hydroelectric systems use a separate nozzle and turbine, this device combines both components in a design so simple it can be manufactured with a 3D printer.
DOCOMO's Energy Management System (EMS) platform is being used to monitor and control the power driving the base station, as well as to visualize the amount of CO2 reduction achieved with this sustainable hydropower system. While DOCOMO's existing 286 green base stations mainly use solar power, this initiative aims to utilize renewable energy such as hydropower in locations where solar panels are not practical.
This experiment is a step towards DOCOMO's goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 2030 and across its entire supply chain by 2040³. It's a significant move towards the adoption of renewable energy and the realization of a sustainable, carbon-neutral world.
There are similar initiatives in other countries that focus on integrating renewable energy sources into communication networks and other infrastructures. While the specific details of self-powered hydropower base stations like DOCOMO's experiment may not be widely reported, there are broader efforts to use sustainable energy solutions globally.
Notably, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has discussed innovative operations of pumped hydropower storage (PHS) to provide greater flexibility to power sectors and integrate larger shares of variable renewable energy (VRE) into power systems. These initiatives often involve collaboration between technology developers, energy providers, and governments to create more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructures.
Additionally, telecom operators and technology companies worldwide are increasingly adopting green energy solutions, such as solar and wind power, to reduce their carbon footprint and ensure uninterrupted services in remote areas. These efforts are part of a global movement towards decarbonization and achieving net-zero emissions in various sectors, including mobile communications.
While the specific approach of using water from irrigation canals for powering base stations is unique to DOCOMO's experiment, the underlying principle of using renewable energy sources is a common thread in many international sustainability projects.
Advertisements