Top telecom services operator Zain Bahrain, in a major move towards environmental sustainability, has implemented a renewable power source at a commercial 5G site in the kingdom, that is proven to reduce CO2 emissions by more than 15%.

 

Zain Bahrain said with this, it has become the first service operator in the kingdom to implement the project using hybrid electrical power solutions between generators, batteries and solar panels at the 5G site.   

 

Following this initial success the plan is now to expand the solution to more sites across Bahrain. 

 

This key initiative to reduce carbon emissions with a renewable power source solution is being implemented in partnership with Rental Solutions & Services (RSS).

 

As the telco expands its network to serve the increased traffic demands, more of the new sites are in remote locations without access to the power grid. A smart solution is needed to power these locations in a more climate-friendly manner, it stated. 

 

Amar Bu Ali, Network Access, IP, Cyber Security, and Building Services Manager, said: "Zain Bahrain continues to explore innovative solutions to optimize energy consumption for sustainable 5G and 4G site operations."

 

"The renewable power generation reduces fuel consumption, and is a key component towards sustainable connectivity," he noted.

 

According to him, the new solution has been proven to reduce CO2 emissions by more than 15%. 

 

"Energy conservation is a key pillar of Zain Bahrain's environmental sustainability strategy. In this case, it aligns with three Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Goal 9, Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; Goal 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities; and Goal 12, Responsible Consumption and Production," he noted.

 

Zain Bahrain continues to invest in new sustainable technologies and innovations to reduce energy consumption in its operations. 

 

The telco upgraded its network stations to the latest generation power-efficient Massive MIMO radios last year. 

 

"Developed to have industry-leading energy efficiency and the smallest size and weight possible while in parallel improving the 5G network performance, said Bu Ali. 

 

"At the same time, the company is also replacing its equipment shelters with innovative solutions that reduce power consumption by 60%. These advanced solutions all contribute to Zain’s sustainable connectivity ambitions," he added.