Despite the current economic climate, the business case for renewable energy options is becoming a compelling one. There are both existing and emerging alternative energy solutions available to wireless network operators that can reduce and manage their operational costs associated to electric energy spend, according to a recent Alcatel-Lucent (News - Alert) white paper.

 

Last fall, Rich Garafola, director, sustainable power solutions at Alcatel-Lucent, spoke at the Green Basestations Summit Americas event in San Diego. He presented how eco-efficient wireless base stations are making the case for mainstream deployment of alternative energies.

 

He described how new wireless equipment power consumption savings can be combined with efficient power management schemes and a mix of alternative energy sources to make alternative energies a viable option.

 

According to the white paper, “Eco-sustainable Wireless Service,” studies show that replacing diesel with eco-sustainable alternative energy sources that are cost-effective and clean, such as solar or wind power, allows companies to circumvent rising energy costs and realize an excellent return on investment.

 

Further proof in this case is that of the one billion people around the world who do not have access to telecommunication services, most live in areas not equipped with an adequate electricity grid to power a telecom network infrastructure.

 

For network operators to serve these potential subscribers and access these new markets, they must solve the energy problem in a viable and cost-effective manner. Network operators that implement alternative energy sources will reduce their operating expenses and have a positive impact on the environment by reducing their carbon footprint, according to Alcatel-Lucent officials.

 

The company has already deployed 300 solar-powered wireless base stations worldwide, and has a projected global market potential of 100,000 alternative-energy-powered stations by 2012.

 

“There is no question that consumer demand for wireless services is high; but given the current state of the global economy, is this the right time to invest in wireless base stations?” the white paper said. “The answer is a resounding yes, especially if the network operator has the ability to rise above the competition with innovative technologies and integrated deployment and operation strategies.”