Telecom tower firms are increasingly turning to solar power as a solution for energizing base stations, particularly in off-grid and remote regions. Pilot initiatives are also being tested in more developed markets. While widespread implementation is still underway, solar-powered telecom infrastructure is rapidly becoming a core component of the industry's efforts to cut costs and reduce its environmental footprint. According to Ernest Akinola, a former CEO of a Nigerian telecom firm and a UK-based renewable energy expert, diesel expenses now make up almost 60% of telecom operators’ operational costs. Most operators have transferred ownership of their base stations to tower companies, which now oversee infrastructure for multiple networks.
These tower companies operate on a shared model, hosting telecom equipment from different providers, such as Home Location Registers, on the same towers, resulting in significant cost savings.
Despite the economic advantages, only about 20% of Nigeria’s base stations currently run on solar energy, Akinola said, highlighting a large opportunity for growth. The industry has coined the term “tower power” to describe this shift toward energy-efficient infrastructure.
Akinola explained that this transition is being accelerated by original equipment manufacturers offering solar-powered tower solutions under revenue-sharing agreements based on energy savings. Across Africa, nations like Rwanda and South Sudan are adopting solar-powered base transceiver stations to lessen reliance on fossil fuels. For instance, MTN South Sudan has reduced its fuel costs by 30% through solar integration as part of a larger sustainability push.
In Nigeria, MTN and Airtel are also investing in renewable energy solutions, including solar and wind. However, Akinola noted that expanding these efforts to scale presents challenges, particularly in remote or insecure areas where access and maintenance are difficult.
“Beyond the upfront investment, there are logistical and security issues that complicate solar deployment,” he said.
He emphasized that switching to solar is not just a cost-saving measure but a strategic necessity. “If 60% of your operational costs are going to diesel, the case for solar is clear,” Akinola said. “Without this shift, the financial viability of the telecom industry is at risk.”
“The telecom industry in Nigeria is at a turning point,” Akinola concluded. “What happens next in terms of infrastructure power will shape how affordable and accessible digital services become for millions of Nigerians.”
