Ericon, Telecom Italia and Italia test green energy solution in Italy

Green energy solution to use combined green energy sources for remotely located radio network sites and make mobile communications more sustainable

Telecom Italia and 3 Italia are the first operators in Europe testing innovative ICT solution for commercial networks

Ericsson coordinates the project and was chosen as the unique ICT end-to-end integrator to mix the alternative energy sources

In collaboration with Telecom Italia, 3 Italia and the European Union Energy Joint Research Centre, Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) has started a project to develop a solution for smarter use of energy in communications networks.

Ericsson is testing the solution in Italy and demonstrating that it is possible to combine and mix different green energy sources with long-term goal to make the radio site energy-independent. Funded by the European Commission, the solution is aimed at powering remotely located radio sites through a variety of energy sources which have less environmental impact than diesel generators. Doing so would drastically reduce operating costs for telecom operators and generate a positive impact on environment.

The involved energy sources are solar panels, batteries to load extra energy by solar, electrolyzer to produce locally hydrogen and fuel cells.

This mix of alternative energy sources is managed through an Ericsson ICT solution that selects the most suitable source to power the radio base station depending on local conditions such as weather, time, battery load and hydrogen availability.

The Ericsson solution also includes a smart meter and a remote control system that provides the operator with details about the energy behaviour of the radio base station.

Many radio network sites, especially in rural areas and developing countries, are off-grid and rely on batteries and diesel generators, which pollute and not very efficient. This incurs maintenance expenses and increases total cost of ownership (TCO).

This is an issue that is becoming increasingly relevant for the whole industry. The last edition of Ericsson Mobility Report predicted that the 90 percent of the worlds population over age six will have a smartphone by 2020 and mobile data traffic will increase eight times by 2020.

Moreover, the carbon footprint generated by ICT will reach about 1.1 million tons by 2020, or two percent of the total, according to the Ericsson Energy and Carbon Report. However, the usage of ICT solutions will be crucial to reducing the other 98 percent of carbon emissions.

Roberto Opilio, Head of the Operations Department, Telecom Italia, says: Telecom Italia all along has looked out for the values and principles of the Green Economy and has strongly adhered to this project because it represents a best practice in energy efficiency. We feel that this initiative confirms how it is possible to combine technological performance and environmental sustainability, in line with the corporate social responsibility guideline of our company, with the aim to undertake virtuous behaviors regarding the protection of territory and citizens health.

Dina Ravera, COO, 3 Italia, says: By the active contribution to this project, 3 Italia keeps up its commitment to the sustainable progress of the business through the realization of environment-friendly infrastructures. We believe that innovation contributes to the companys success as well as the environment welfare and protection.

Nunzio Mirtillo, Head of Region Mediterranean, Ericsson says: This combination of alternative energy sources decreases the radio site carbon footprint and gives operators increased cost efficiency. With this project, Ericsson shows its leadership in the development of innovative solutions to increase energy efficiency and to contribute to a more sustainable world.

Other partners of this EU project are Tor Vergata University of Rome, and the companies Dantherm Power, GreenHydrogen and Mes.

Developed by Ericsson researchers in Italy in collaboration with their partners, FCpoweredRBS combines fuel cells, photovoltaic and batteries in the most reliable and efficient way.

Ericsson at Mobile World Congress 2015

During Mobile World Congress 2015 in Barcelona, Spain, Ericsson is showing world-leading technology, service capabilities, and innovations. The Networked Society is transforming entire industries. ICT tools have become fundamental everyday resources for businesses, people and society. We lead the way with hardware, services and software solutions that drive development in mobility, broadband and cloud, creating the foundation for new eco-systems, and transformation across industries. The change that transformation brings is in the hands of everyone. That is why we at Mobile World Congress this year will talk about how we enable change-makers in the Networked Society to advance digital experiences.

You can find us at MWC in Hall 2, Stand 2N60. Follow us during the event using @Ericsson and join the discussion using #MWC15. Insights from our experts and Networked Society evangelists are also published on our blog during the event.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Paper - Rethinking Energy Performance

Ericsson energy and carbon report

Ericsson Mobility Report - Mobile World Congress edition

Download high-resolution photos and broadcast-quality video at www.ericsson.com/press

Ericsson is the driving force behind the Networked Society - a world leader in communications technology and services. Our long-term relationships with every major telecom operator in the world allow people, business and society to fulfill their potential and create a more sustainable future.

Our services, software and infrastructure - especially in mobility, broadband and the cloud - are enabling the telecom industry and other sectors to do better business, increase efficiency, improve the user experience and capture new opportunities.

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