Can solar power improve China's base station infrastructure?

Traditionally powered by coal-dominated grid electricity, these stations contribute significantly to operational costs and air pollution. This study offers a comprehensive roadmap for low-carbon upgrades to China’s base station infrastructure by integrating solar power, energy storage, and intelligent operation strategies.

Do communication base station operations increase electricity consumption in China?

Comparing data from 2021, 2025, and 2030, 41 we found that the electricity consumption due to communication base station operations in China increased annually.

How much energy does a communication base station use a day?

A small-scale communication base station communication antenna with an average power of 2 kW can consume up to 48 kWh per day. 4,5,6 Therefore, the low-carbon upgrade of communication base stations and systems is at the core of the telecommunications industry’s energy use issues.

Will China Telecom upgrade base stations in 2024?

In Anhui Province, for example, the China Telecom branch plans to upgrade 700 base stations with low-carbon retrofits in 2024 and selectively implement an active deep sleep system for base stations across the province at night to reduce the cost of purchased power.

How does a solar base station work?

The main technological approach includes the integrated installation of solar panels, energy storage units, and controllers, with the specific transformation plan displayed in Figure 6. In this scheme, the base station is powered by solar panels, the electrical grid, and energy storage units to ensure the stability of energy supply.

Why are China's leading communications companies incorporating energy storage batteries and photovoltaic power?

In addition, China’s leading communications companies are progressively incorporating energy storage batteries and photovoltaic power generation to offset the mounting cost pressures stemming from the continued expansion of energy usage. The relative importance attached to this issue depends on the sense of urgency.