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sustainable connectivity

The 5G site of the future

Sustainability and visibility for Deutsche Telekom and Ericsson

Deutsche Telekom and Ericsson make sustainable connectivity possible

With the help of Ericsson’s hardware and software solutions, Deutsche Telekom became the first service provider in the world to implement a unified solution using a single management system for core, transport, radio access network (RAN), and hybrid power management, including renewable power sources at a commercial 5G mobile broadband site near the small German town Dittenheim.

Case

Highlights

  • Deutsche Telekom, in partnership with Ericsson, became the world’s first service provider to power a mobile broadband site with renewable energy combining solar, wind power and energy storage - providing a blueprint for how sustainable connectivity could look in the future.
  • Control over core, transport, radio access network (RAN) and hybrid power management is achieved through a single, familiar network management system.
  • More energy- and material-efficient hardware and software will help improve the sustainability of the site even more in future.
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The challenge

As Deutsche Telekom expand the network to serve the increased traffic demand, there are more sites in remote locations without grid access. A smart solution is needed to bring coverage to these locations without establishing a grid connection and higher energy consumption as in the past.

Additionally, the solutions implemented will need a fully integrated system providing information on availability, capacity, network performance and energy management, along with unprecedented control over network stability.

resilient connectivity in times of energy shortages

The solution

  • Installation of a wind turbine and solar panels at the site, and connecting them to the existing power and connectivity hardware.
  • Creating a Smart Connected site that provides full visibility of network performance, power generation and local security and environmental conditions.
  • Integrating power storage at the site that can store cheap, renewably-generated electricity and shave peaks during periods of high electricity demand across the grid.
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The result

  • Power generation from renewable sources that stands for around a fifth of the total yearly power needs – escalating to full renewable operation at times of optimal conditions.
  • Full control for the service provider over the site’s operations, from power generation to connectivity performance, from one single management platform.
  • A workable, proven solution using existing hardware and software that can be replicated at similar sites elsewhere – from rural locations to major cities.
  • The possibility to integrate new hardware and software solutions that will reduce total power consumption and boost the renewable share and overall site sustainability even further.
resilient connectivity in times of energy shortages

"Ensuring an integrated management of clean, efficient and reliable power sources and usage is key for sustainable mobile site operations. Together with innovative partners we explore in trials how we can apply intelligent solutions and capabilities to optimize energy consumption and control at mobile sites."

 

- Leif Heitzer, SVP Technology Guidance and Economics, Deutsche Telekom

"At Ericsson, we are committed to working with our customers to support them in cutting their carbon emissions. This partnership is a great example of how we’re achieving this through our best-in-class energy efficient equipment, which can be operated entirely with renewable energy."

 

- Heather Johnson, Vice President for Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility, Ericsson

17.00 %
of the site’s total energy needs is generated on-site, via renewable sources
12.00 sq m
total area of the solar panels at the Dittenheim site
24.00 %
reduction in energy consumption achieved using new hardware and software solutions

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