Follow India Renewable Energy News on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights

Telecom Sector Accelerates Shift to Renewable Energy Amid Rising Power Needs and Carbon Concerns

India’s telecom sector, with over 824,000 towers and nearly 30 lakh base stations, consumes around 70,000 GWh of power yearly, causing 49 million tons of CO₂ emissions. To cut this impact, the Digital Infrastructure Providers Association (DIPA) is pushing for a green transition. DIPA, representing infrastructure providers, equipment makers, EV charging firms, and fiber deployers, is driving policy reforms and sustainability efforts through its Green Energy Committee.

The sector is adopting solar as its preferred renewable energy source. There are now 23,000 solar-powered sites and 223,000 diesel-free towers, leading to huge diesel savings. However, challenges remain — especially due to inconsistent state-level green energy policies and the complexities of 5G rollout, which demands more power. The industry is overcoming high installation costs through long-term savings, government incentives, and power purchase agreements.

Energy storage systems like lithium-ion and LFP batteries are being widely adopted to ensure consistent supply. The sector has planned 1,250 MW of solar capacity, supported by Rs5,000 crore investments, and 4,000 sites are being earmarked for renewable integration. Smart grid tech and energy forecasting are also enhancing efficiency. While some sites now run entirely on renewables, a full-scale shift is still in progress.