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.

Should China upgrade to low-carbon base stations?

These outcomes demonstrate that upgrading to low-carbon base stations not only ensures economic feasibility but also delivers significant environmental and public health benefits, reinforcing the strategic value of decarbonizing China’s communication infrastructure.

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.

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.

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.

Can China's communications industry reduce reliance on grid-powered systems?

While focused on China, the model and findings can serve as a blueprint for countries worldwide facing similar energy and infrastructure challenges in the age of digital expansion. It is important for China’s communications industry to reduce its reliance on grid-powered systems to lower base station energy costs and meet national carbon targets.