In a significant step toward cleaner energy in India’s telecom sector, hydrogen-powered fuel cells have been successfully demonstrated as a reliable backup power solution for telecom towers, according to the Ministry of Science & Technology.
Developed by the Centre for Fuel Cell Technology (CFCT) at the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology, the Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell system was deployed at a telecom tower within the Pune Municipal Corporation limits.
A key feature of this project is its plug-and-play model, designed for easy transport and handling, which also eliminates security concerns. This makes the solution both practical and adaptable for broader deployment across the sector.
The system can be shared among multiple towers, addressing backup power challenges in remote and hard-to-reach areas where traditional diesel generators are difficult to deploy and maintain.
The demonstration, conducted with Nashik-based Resicorre Technologies as the industrial partner, was part of the Department of Science and Technology’s Advanced Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Call – 2021 initiative.
The project aimed to establish a reliable, fuel cell-based backup solution that ensures a steady hydrogen supply and power resilience during outages.
PEM fuel cells provide a clean, efficient substitute for traditional generators, which are expensive and contribute to high carbon emissions. By generating electricity with only water vapour as a by-product, PEM fuel cells offer an eco-friendlier solution. They feature quick start-up times, operate at relatively low temperatures, and have a compact design, making them ideal for telecom tower applications.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) have been actively promoting green energy solutions for the telecom sector. TRAI’s directive to transition 50% of rural and 33% of urban telecom towers to renewable energy aligns with the adoption of PEM fuel cells, furthering national efforts to minimise the telecom sector’s environmental impact.
