Over the past few months, certain states have increased their diesel (Punjab and Karnataka) and power (Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Delhi and Punjab) prices. This complicates matters for the country’s telecom sector, which requires an uninterrupted power supply to function optimally amidst energy-intensive technological advancements such as 5G, internet of things and edge computing. Further, the sector is experiencing the double whammy of load shedding in peak season amidst electricity pilferage, and significant financial losses stemming from network outages. Moreover, in rural and remote areas where grid access is either limited or unreliable, there is great dependence on diesel generators (DGs), which are polluting and costly. These circumstances have made energy storage systems (ESSs) indispensable for the industry as they offer critical backup.
Different types of ESS technologies are being leveraged to meet the diverse power demands of telecom operations. One of the most widely adopted technologies is battery energy storage systems (BESSs). Unlike traditional DGs, which require time to start up and stabilise, BESS provides instantaneous power during outages, ensuring zero downtime. This reliability makes BESS particularly attractive in areas with high energy demands, such as telecom towers and data centres.
Within the realm of BESS, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries have emerged as a key solution in the telecom sector. Because of their high energy density, long cycle life and quick recharge times, Li-ion batteries are ideal for space-constrained environments such as telecom towers and data centres. Their ability to endure multiple charge-discharge cycles ensures consistent power delivery, a vital requirement for telecom infrastructure. On the other hand, lead-acid batteries continue to be widely used, particularly in legacy infrastructure. While lead-acid technology may not have the energy density or longevity of Li-ion, it remains cost-effective and reliable.
Emerging alternatives, such as sodium-ion batteries, are gaining traction for their safety and cost advantages. Sodium-ion technology offers a compelling option for telecom towers in remote or harsh environmental conditions, as they are less sensitive to temperature fluctuations and can be charged in 20 minutes. Another promising solution is zinc-based batteries, which are gaining momentum due to their low cost and scalability for large-scale telecom applications. Unlike Li-ion batteries, which are dependent on imported materials, the raw materials needed to manufacture zinc-ion batteries are fairly abundant in India, one of the world’s largest zinc producers. The Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research and Hindustan Zinc Limited are working together to accelerate the development of zinc-based energy storage technologies, aiming to provide robust, cost-effective solutions for telecom operators.
Flow batteries offer stable, long-term backup power, which is critical for telecom operations that require continuous energy availability. Fuel cells are also gaining traction as a clean energy alternative for telecom towers, particularly in off-grid or remote locations. These cells convert chemical energy into electricity with minimal emissions, offering an efficient, low-emission power source.
In addition to these options, thermal energy storage (TES) systems are becoming a viable solution for managing energy in telecom infrastructure. By storing excess renewable energy in the form of heat, TES can provide power when needed, either by converting the heat back to electricity or by utilising it directly. TESs offer the added benefit of load shifting, storing energy during off-peak hours and releasing it during peak demand. NTPC Green Energy Limited’s partnership with Indus Towers is a prime example of how TES technology is being developed to meet the specific needs of the telecom industry.
Furthermore, green hydrogen microgrids are gaining momentum as an innovative approach to powering telecom towers in remote or off-grid areas. By using renewable energy to produce hydrogen, which is then stored and converted back into electricity when needed, green hydrogen microgrids offer a long-term energy storage solution. The collaboration between Indus Towers and IIT Madras to establish research and development laboratories for solar-powered hydrogen generation reflects the increasing role that green hydrogen is expected to play in the telecom sector.
Future of energy storage
The future of energy storage in India’s telecom sector looks promising, as the demand for reliable power backup and energy management systems continues to grow.
The Indian government’s introduction of a 10 GW scheme for grid-scale ESS reinforces the importance of energy storage in the country’s growing telecom industry. As India’s electricity demand is projected to increase by 50-80 GW by 2027, as per estimates, ESS will play a critical role in preventing power shortages and ensuring a stable energy supply.
