Green wave now sweeps through global ICT sector

The global community celebrated the World Environment Day last week on 5 June.

The theme for the event was pivoted on a green economy, which is described by the United Nations Environment Programme (Unep) as one that captures the aspects of low carbon emissions, efficient resource utility, and social inclusiveness.

In retrospect, adoption of green technology in the Kenyan ICT sector is notable.

Although the global ICT industry has not yet been blacklisted as a smoke-stack, it is estimated that it contributes to approximately 2.5 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Also, there are other environmental impacts with the exponential ubiquitous use of ICT gadgets.

Kenya, like other countries in the globe, is faced with the challenges and opportunities that come with the use of information communication technologies.

As a matter of fact, a number of industry players are adopting green technology for not only environmental concerns, but also to reap from the accruing benefits.

To begin with, the issue of power is critical to the ICT sector and a closer look reveals a trend where some industry players are choosing green energy sources in places not served by the national electricity grid.

Energy for reduced OPEX

Huawei approached Safaricom with a proposal to tackle the issue of diesel generators, which were a common set-up in places without KPLC connections.

Huawei provided an energy solution of base-station site that combines solar and a diesel generator. 

The solar energy option is for stable power supply while the generator is for back-up supply.

The first site constructed by Huawei using this green alternative energy helped to reduce fuel consumption and gas emissions substantially.

Phone firms like Safaricom are tapping into the potential of green energy to stem transmission base station OPEX (operational expenditure) costs in regions not covered by the national power grid.

Safaricom has a total of 2,690 mobile base-stations spread all over the country.

The company is adopting green energy as it looks forward to reducing the current number of 155 base-stations that run on diesel generators throughout. 

Green energy has helped Safaricom to decrease the costs of fuelling and maintaining diesel generators. Now Safaricom has 110 base-stations that run on green energy.

The company has deployed a diverse set-up using both hybrid and single green power sources.