Tower power

Across Guinea, 1 500 mobile phone masts will be upgraded to be hybrid powered, in a US$30 million initiative.

With backing from the European Investment Bank (EIB), IPT Powertech Guinea will fit the towers with solar panels and batteries to reduce the use of diesel generators, improving telecoms infrastructure and ensuring more reliable and clean-energy mobile telecoms.

According to the EIB, the eight-year project is expected to produce energy savings of more than 75%; reduce diesel consumption and carbon emissions; create 1 700 jobs; and lead to a more stable service to 7.5 million customers. The move comes in response to Guinea’s frequent power shortages that result in unavailable mobile phone services for up to four hours per day.

In addition, 250 energy-efficient mobile communications towers will be constructed specifically to provide coverage to rural regions.

‘Ensuring access to reliable mobile telecommunications is key for economic and social activity,’ says EIB vice president Ambroise Fayolle. ‘This visionary project will contribute to sustainable development for millions of people across Guinea.’ She adds that the project represents a model for high-impact telecom investment in Africa.