Vodafone boosts AI-driven power backup across Europe, Africa

Telecom and internet outages highlight just how dependent modern life is on uninterrupted digital connectivity. From GPS to mobile banking to emergency services, critical operations falter when networks fail. In response, Vodafone has accelerated its Enhanced Power initiative, a comprehensive programme designed to strengthen network resilience, extend power backup, and maintain vital connectivity for emergency and critical online services across Europe and Africa

Boosting AI and backup power

The increasing frequency of climate-related disasters and grid instability underscores the urgent need for resilient communications infrastructure for emergency services. Power outages caused by floods, wildfires, earthquakes, or blackouts can affect local, regional, or national areas. Though prolonged outages remain rare in Europe, last summer’s extreme weather alone is expected to cost the EU economy €126 billion by 2029.

The Enhanced Power initiative was fast-tracked following a major blackout in April 2025, which disrupted essential services including telecoms, transportation, and banking in Portugal and parts of Spain and France. At the outage’s peak, about 60% of Portuguese mobile users experienced connectivity loss or difficulties.

Vodafone’s programme aims to strengthen more than 10,000 critical mobile infrastructure sites supporting emergency services across Europe, beginning with Portugal and rolling out across Vodafone’s European markets over the next two years. The initiative combines existing temporary backup systems with AI-powered software to predict, control, and optimise backup power. Solutions are designed to handle outages depending on severity and scale, while also reducing CO2 emissions.

Local, regional, and national response capabilities

For localised outages affecting up to ten mobile sites, Vodafone will continue to deploy portable solutions such as Cells on Wheels (COW), complemented by the Instant Network Emergency Response (INER) programme. INER, active since 2012, provides free Wi-Fi and phone charging stations during disaster relief efforts and has supported 28 disasters worldwide, most recently Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica.

For larger regional outages impacting dozens or hundreds of sites, Vodafone deploys temporary and backup units alongside its AI-controlled Adaptive Power Backup system, which remotely extends base station battery duration, potentially doubling backup times.

Vodafone has also developed contingency plans for national or cross-border blackouts. Over 10,000 essential radio and backhaul access sites across Europe, including hospitals, government offices, airports, and transport hubs, will be equipped with at least four hours of backup power, while core mobile sites (over 400 data centres and backbone facilities) are guaranteed 72 hours of power or diesel generator refuelling within 48 hours. Aggregation sites, critical for routing customer data, are ensured a minimum of four hours’ backup.

Vodafone is exploring further resilience options by connecting emergency responders’ smartphones and other cellular devices via satellite even in extreme conditions.

AI to the rescue

Vodafone has launched its AI-driven Adaptive Power Backup service in Greece, with trials ongoing in Turkey before broader deployment in 2026. The system predicts outages and optimises energy usage, nearly doubling backup duration and keeping emergency services connected three times longer than industry standards. Non-essential equipment is remotely powered down or placed in low-energy “cell sleep mode,” while crucial communication channels remain operational.

AI adoption also reduces the capital needed for additional backup batteries, which would otherwise divert resources from network upgrades. Ofcom estimates that mandating four-hour backup at all UK telecom sites would require £2.2–4.4 billion (€2.6–5.2 billion), with similar costs expected across Europe. Vodafone is exploring collaboration with other operators and electricity providers, pooling resources to participate in electricity markets and using Virtual Power Plant services, enabling revenue generation from idle capacity. Government incentives are needed to drive wider adoption.

Africa focus

Vodacom, Vodafone’s African business, leverages AI to address challenges posed by frequent load-shedding. Its AI-on-the-edge solution prioritises energy sources, reduces diesel runtime, and ensures base stations operate on the most cost-efficient energy source without compromising availability. Initial results show a 10% – 15% reduction in diesel use, lower operational costs, fewer site visits, and improved customer experience.

Aligned with European frameworks

Vodafone’s resilience programme aligns with EU cybersecurity and infrastructure protection frameworks. Vodafone seeks to collaborate with Brussels and national authorities to ensure compliance, speed implementation, and explore co-funding opportunities. Operators alone cannot shoulder the burden, government support through funding and policy alignment is critical to sustain and expand infrastructure, ensuring Europe’s digital and telecom sectors remain resilient during major outages.

Vertiv unveils hybrid power evolution. (Image source: Vertiv)

Vertiv has launched the Vertiv PowerDirect 7100 Energy, a hybrid-ready DC power system designed to help telecom and edge operators enhance network reliability and advance their energy transition goals

The system offers scalable power and intelligent controls suited for a wide range of operating environments, from stable utility grids to remote or off-grid locations, giving operators the adaptability needed to manage emerging energy sources and increasing digital demand.

Now available across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), the Vertiv PowerDirect 7100 Energy supplies up to 52 kW of scalable 48 V DC power and delivers efficiency levels of up to 98 percent. Built on Vertiv’s fourth-generation hybrid architecture, it smoothly incorporates grid, generator, and alternative energy inputs such as solar, wind, or fuel cell systems to ensure continuous power in areas with limited grid dependability.

The system features Vertiv solar converters and Vertiv modular rectifiers, overseen by the Vertiv NetSure Control Unit (NCU). These elements work together to provide advanced load management, remote monitoring, and energy scheduling to boost performance and prolong the life of critical equipment.

“The world expects energy efficiency and flexibility with the growth of communications, such as 5G and edge connectivity”, said Dave Wilson, director of global hybrid solutions at Vertiv. “The Vertiv PowerDirect 7100 Energy gives operators a single, intelligent platform capable of adapting to any grid condition, delivering reliable power while supporting the transition to cleaner, more efficient energy strategies.”

Engineered for compact and demanding environments, the Vertiv PowerDirect 7100 Energy is offered in 500 A, 750 A, and 1000 A options for telecom and edge data racks. Its front-access layout makes installation and maintenance straightforward, while its operating range from minus 40 C to plus 65 C ensures dependable performance in remote or outdoor settings.

The Vertiv PowerDirect 7100 Energy enhances Vertiv’s global portfolio of Vertiv NetSure DC power solutions and hybrid energy systems within its broad power train architecture. When combined with Vertiv’s thermal management, IT management, and lifecycle services, it delivers a strong platform for efficient, reliable, and future-ready digital infrastructure.

Quibala substation in Angola. (Image source: Mitrelli Group)

In a project engineered and executed by the Swiss-based Mitrelli Group, Angola has inaugurated the Quibala substation, the ninth and final substation to be delivered under the Sumbe-Gabela-Waco Kungo (SGWK) energy corridor

This milestone builds on earlier phases that added six substations and more than 600 km of overhead transmission lines (OHL) reaching up to 220 kV.

Together, this growing infrastructure forms the backbone of the SGWK corridor, improving the lives of 2.3 million people across the Cuanza Sul province, fuelling economic growth and industrialisation across the heart of the country.

The newly inaugurated Quibala 220/60 kV and 60/30 kV substation in Cuanza Sul Province will deliver reliable, renewable energy, adding 335 MW of available power to support industries, enhance public services and improve daily life across the region, a Mitrelli statement read.

It added that theconstruction of the substations has already created 900 direct jobs, with broader energy access expected to stimulate an additional 12,000 jobs across multiple sectors.

It also forms part of a broader, regional transformation with Mitrelli, in partnership with US-based energy investor HYDRO-LINK, advancing a landmark 1,150 km cross-border transmission corridor to link Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

“This project will enable Angola’s renewable energy surplus, primarily from hydropower, to reach the DRC’s mineral-rich Copperbelt,” the Mitrelli statement noted.

“It represents a crucial step toward regional energy integration, improving grid stability, unlocking cross-border trade and strengthening energy security across Africa.”

Beyond residential and industrial use, the substations also support Angola’s agriculture and agri-processing sectors, critical pillars of its export diversification strategy.

Reliable electricity boosts production, reduces post-harvest losses, and expands cold storage capacity.

Rodrigo Manso, CEO, Mitrelli, also said that the transition to grid-connected, renewable power is expected to reduce dependence on diesel generators, cutting CO2 emissions by an estimated 392,000 cubic metres per year — the equivalent of generating 335 MW through fossil fuels.

“We are proud to stand alongside the Angolan government in expanding energy access as a foundation for inclusive national development,” said Manso.

“These projects drive economic growth, support businesses, and create jobs. The inauguration of the Quibala substation reflects Angola’s commitment to sustained progress. By combining global expertise with deep local knowledge, we’re helping build a more connected, self-sufficient, and prosperous future.”

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The initiative aims to provide clean, climate-resilient water infrastructure to 1.2 million people.

Hitech Construction Africa Limited, part of the Chagoury Group, has confirmed a strategic equity investment in Aqua Africa, representing a major step in its long-term mission to promote sustainability and inclusive growth across the continent

The collaboration is designed to deliver reliable and climate-resilient clean water access to more than ten million people over the next five years. This will be achieved through off-grid, solar-powered water systems that can effectively serve rural and peri-urban communities that are often underserved.

The investment also supports Hitech’s ambition to broaden its footprint, beginning with West Africa and steadily progressing across the continent. This expansion strengthens the company’s role as a key infrastructure developer committed to improving living standards and advancing sustainable economic progress.

Philip Foster, CEO of Aqua Africa, stated, “Partnering with Hitech brings the scale, expertise, and shared purpose needed to deliver transformational change. Together, we can bring sustainable water solutions to the communities that need them most.”

The partnership builds on Aqua Africa’s existing €76 million framework agreement with the National Water Points Development Service (SNAPE) in Guinea, backed by UK Export Finance. This initiative aims to provide clean, climate-resilient water infrastructure to 1.2 million people.

Hitech’s commitment to sustainability and CSR

Hitech’s approach is rooted in the belief that infrastructure is essential to social and economic development. Its Corporate Social Responsibility strategy is centred around three pillars: People, Planet, and Progress. The company works to embed sustainability into each phase of project development, from planning to completion.

Key CSR focus areas include:

• Expanding community access to vital services such as energy, mobility, and clean water
• Safeguarding the environment through climate-conscious technologies and responsible resource use
• Supporting local economies by creating employment, training opportunities, and skill-building initiatives

The partnership with Aqua Africa fully aligns with these principles. Both organisations are committed to advancing inclusive, technology-led solutions that respond to pressing social challenges while supporting national development goals and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 6 and SDG 13.

Through this alliance, Hitech reinforces its identity as a responsible infrastructure leader dedicated to building not only physical assets such as roads and ports, but also the foundations of a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable future for Africa.