In the face of increasing power outages and grid instabilities, reliable backup power is crucial for the telecommunications sector. Traditionally, batteries and diesel generators have been the primary choice for ensuring continuous operations during blackouts.

Drawbacks of Batteries as backup power for telecommunications

1. Batteries lose capacity over time quickly
2. Limited number of cycles until they need to be replaced
3. Batteries are temperature reliant and might need air conditioning
4. Energy amount serves only short time periods of hours or days

Drawbacks of diesel generators as backup power for telecommunications

1. The generators have to run regularly in order to function properly
2. Diesel fuel gets bad over time
3. Combustion is inefficient

Advantages of Hydrogen based backup power for telecommunications

1. Hydrogen cylinders are cheaper than lithium batteries
2. The hydrogen gas once in the tank does not deplete significantly

However, advancements in hydrogen-based energy storage, such as the Volks-Electrolyzer, present an alternative with significant economic and environmental benefits.

What does a hydrogen backup system for telecommunications consist of?

On the telecommunication tower site hydrogen bundles need to be connected to a fuel cell. In case of black out a small battery is charged by a hydrogen fuel cell. The runtime is limitless as long as enough hydrogen is stored over time. Hydrogen driven backup power solutions can run longer in case of emergencies, cause the storing capacity is not the price driver.

On strategic positions the telecommunication provider can install an electrolyzer which produces hydrogen for the outposts.

What does a hydrogen telecom power supply cost?

The price for hydrogen telecom power supply varies by the power demand of the tower.

Check out the international hydrogen price list to find fuel cell prices for different power rates.

Members get fuel cell prices – The Volks-Electrolyzer

1. Initial Investment and Infrastructure

• Volks-Electrolyzer: Higher upfront costs due to the need for electrolyzers, hydrogen storage, and fuel cells. However, technological advancements and economies of scale are driving down costs.
• Diesel Generators: Lower initial cost, but additional expenses arise from fuel storage, transportation, and maintenance.

2. Operating Costs

• Volks-Electrolyzer: Uses renewable electricity (solar/wind) to produce hydrogen, significantly reducing fuel costs over time. Minimal mechanical wear leads to lower maintenance costs.
• Diesel Generators: Require continuous fuel purchases, which are subject to price volatility. Maintenance is frequent due to moving parts, oil changes, and emissions control.

3. Fuel Supply and Reliability

• Volks-Electrolyzer: Hydrogen can be produced and stored onsite, ensuring uninterrupted supply without reliance on external fuel logistics.
• Diesel Generators: Depend on fuel supply chains that may be disrupted during prolonged outages, disasters, or geopolitical crises.

4. Environmental and Regulatory Considerations

• Volks-Electrolyzer: Zero-emission operation when powered by renewable energy, helping telecom companies meet sustainability goals and regulatory requirements.
• Diesel Generators: Emit CO₂, NOₓ, and particulate matter, facing increasing environmental restrictions and potential carbon taxes.

5. Long-Term Economic Viability

• Volks-Electrolyzer: Higher capital expenditure is offset by lower operational costs, government incentives for green hydrogen, and long lifespan.
• Diesel Generators: While cheaper initially, rising fuel costs, regulatory compliance, and maintenance expenses make them more costly over time.

Conclusion

While diesel generators remain a short-term, low-cost solution, Fuel Cell in combination with a Volks-Electrolyzer provides a more sustainable, cost-effective, and resilient alternative for backup power in telecommunications. With decreasing hydrogen production costs and increasing carbon regulations, the transition to hydrogen-based backup systems is a strategic investment for long-term reliability and cost savings.

Fuel Cells for telecom backup are state of the art but the hydrogen will be bought through technical gas providers. You can see the price development for hydrogen gas purchases from companies like linde in the hydrogen price list in the hydrogen cylinder section. You will see that the price for hydrogen has doubled in the past years. With the volks-electrolyzer it is possible to reduce the hydrogen purchase cost significantly.
It is the cheapest electrolyzer with 300 bar compression on the market and is recommended from 3 to 100 backup power fuel cell systems.

Feel free to consult our partner engineering office for further information:

https://green-energy-scout.de