What do mobile communications masts have to do with wind power?
A functioning and nationwide mobile network is the backbone of modern communication in South Africa. To ensure uninterrupted connection, mobile phone masts must be continuously supplied with energy. Especially in remote areas, this energy supply poses significant challenges for network operators.
In remote regions, unguarded mobile communications masts are often powered by diesel generators. Unfortunately, these generators and their fuel are frequently targeted for theft. Additionally, copper cables and photovoltaic systems are also at risk of being stolen.
“You can’t just carry a wind turbine away like that.
The technology is also safely and securely installed in the mast and lattice tube frame.”
Furthermore, fuel prices are constantly rising, which increases operating costs. The health and environmental impacts of diesel generators are considerable, ranging from noise pollution to respiratory diseases caused by air pollution. In addition, the reliability of the power supply through the South African public grid is often inconsistent.
These challenges, along with the need to reduce CO2 emissions, are prompting mobile operators to seek alternative, sustainable energy sources. This is a great opportunity for renewable energies, such as wind and solar power, especially when combined with battery storage to ensure a self-sufficient energy supply. Both South Africa and the African continent have numerous regions that are suitable for wind turbine installation. Strong and constant winds, especially in coastal areas, provide the potential for a stable source of energy.
LuvSide has the solution for extreme weather conditions!
LuvSide is addressing the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions with its technically advanced and robust LS Helix small wind turbines, specifically designed for windy regions. The LS Helix turbines, which are already being successfully used in locations such as Cape Town, are optimized for high-wind areas.
This makes them a promising option for mobile communications masts in regions where the grid power supply is not consistently realiable. Their use in off-grid areas, where there is no connection to the public power grid, is also feasible. In such cases, achieving the required energy output may involve deploying several LS Helix models or utilizing our more powerful LS HuraKan 8.0 horizontal axis wind turbine.
Potential and outlook
South African telecommunications companies are increasingly seeking for sustainable and cost-efficient solutions and have recognized the potential of our LS Helix off-grid small wind turbines. In summer 2024, LuvSide was commissioned by an network operator to install a test turbine in the region of Mossel Bay, South Africa. This marks a significant first step towards building confidence among local telecommunications providers in our technology and facilitating broader implementation across Africa.
The ultimate goal is to develop a sustainable solution for the future that is both economically viable and ecologically sound. Currently, there are approximately 183,000 mobile communications masts across the African continent, with around 60-70% located in off-grid areas. The combination of wind and solar energy could revolutionize the mobile communications sector in Africa while making a meaningful contribution to the continent’s climate objectives.
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