Hybrid microgrid transforms telecom power

Caterpillar Inc. has introduced an innovative integrated microgrid power system designed for telecommunications towers

This system is capable of reducing diesel fuel consumption and related carbon emissions by up to 80%, while also lowering total ownership and operational costs.

Initially available through Cat dealers in Africa and the Middle East, the system integrates solar PV panels and a Cat diesel generator to power telecom infrastructure while fully charging an energy time-shift storage system. When solar power isn’t available, such as at night or during bad weather, power is sourced from energy storage.

These hybrid power systems are particularly advantageous in remote regions where grid power is unreliable or absent, and where fuel delivery is both expensive and logistically difficult. The systems are designed to reduce total costs of ownership, slash fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and maximise reliability.

The modular structure of this system allows for scalability, enabling additional components to be added as power needs increase with growing traffic or network upgrades.

This proven system is also available through an Energy-as-a-Service agreement, offering a turnkey solution that addresses both power requirements and climate-related goals without the need for customers to buy or maintain the assets. Deployed and supported by select Cat dealers, this service agreement allows telecom operators to spread out startup costs while outsourcing maintenance and service responsibilities, reducing the risk of system obsolescence.

"As customers embark on the energy transition journey, they are seeking tailored solutions to meet their requirements," said Stephanie Baughman, retail vice-president for Caterpillar Electric Power. "Our hybrid solution for telecommunications towers combines next-generation power technologies with industry expertise and a flexible service agreement that delivers a sustainable, reliable, and cost-effective solution to our customers."

Caterpillar remains committed to a low-carbon future through ongoing investments in advanced products, technologies, and services. These include commercially available power solutions using hydrogen fuel; Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS) software for energy asset management; a complete suite of hybrid energy technologies; Cat combined heat and power (CHP) and combined cooling, heat, and power (CCHP) systems; support for fuels such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), biodiesel, and fuel blends; and expertise in waste-to-energy applications like landfill gas and biogas.