PowerShift Solution Makes Its Biggest Shift Yet—Off Grid

Mobile network operators (MNOs) know all too well that the radio access network (RAN) of a modern macro cell site consumes an immense amount of electrical power—as much as half of all the power consumed in the operation of the network. In many developed markets, MNOs are under intense pressure to cover low-density areas (often called “not-spots”) and, while sites are generally easy to secure, they can also be miles from a suitable interconnection point with the grid. Running new connections to such sites can cost millions of dollars. The traditional alternative method of using on-site diesel generators (either to power remote or unconnectable sites, or as a backup measure against grid failure) is expensive and runs contrary to MNOs’ sustainability goals.

CommScope took this challenge and turned it into an innovation. With the recent improvements in renewable energy generation technology, CommScope has found a way to shift the load away from the grid—and shift how MNOs design and power their sites. The PowerShift Off-Grid solution provides a simple, turnkey way for macro sites to become less dependent—or even independent—of grid-supplied power and dirty diesel generation sources.

The on-target, off-grid power delivery solution

The PowerShift Off-Grid solution represents a shift in how power can be generated and delivered. A customizable suite of integrated wind turbine, solar panel generation sources, paired with high-density energy storage solutions, can provide reliable, 24-hour power to drive a complete macro cell site.

Built on a smart blend of both clean energy generation sources—and backed by advanced battery storage technology—the solution can reduce or eliminate reliance on alternative energy sources, including the grid and dirty on-site generators.

With electricity prices going up and grid reliability declining, MNOs are deeply motivated to find such an effective way to supplement or replace grid supply dependencies in their networks to reduce costs, meet sustainability goals and achieve reliability targets.

The numbers tell the tale

To illustrate the potential of the PowerShift Off-Grid solution, consider this theoretical case study. A typical macro site requiring 6,125 watts could have more than half its power supplied by just 24 solar panels and two three-kilowatt wind turbines. This hybrid mix of sources prevents the release of about 48 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent every year, year after year. And that’s just one site of thousands that could be using this approach.

In some environments, expanding the footprint of this example site to accommodate more renewable generation and sufficient battery storage can raise this supply up to 100 percent of the site’s needs. Alternatively, the MNO can opt to include a backup generator as a failover energy source if site space is limited. In either case, however, the MNO can realize reduced OpEx costs, a smaller carbon footprint and greater protection against unexpected network outages.

An easier path to net zero

Like all our solutions, CommScope designed the PowerShift Off-Grid solution to be as simple to deploy as possible. We provide our MNO partners with the help they need for a site-specific deployment, from planning and design to engineering and deployment. We even provide maintenance, making it the complete turnkey solution to the thorny problems of energy costs, grid reliability and achieving sustainability goals.

Because the best mix of renewables will depend on the terrain and location of the site, our design team can provide the optimal combination of wind and solar sources based on capacity requirements, as well as appropriate battery backup and—if needed—backup generators. Everything about the PowerShift Off-Grid solution is designed to give our MNO partners a smoother path to net zero—and as renewable generation and battery storage technologies improve, the costs of deployment will go down, accelerating ROI even as OpEx shrinks.

Shifting into the future

The PowerShift solution portfolio is trusted all over the world for its ability to deliver intelligently-balanced power to all kinds of network sites. With the addition of the PowerShift Off-Grid solution, CommScope is literally putting the power into the hands of MNOs themselves—and we have every reason to believe this is the beginning of an important shift in the way macro networks will be powered.

Learn more about the customizable, renewable power of the PowerShift Off-Grid solution here!

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