NTT Docomo has initiated Japan’s first experimental demonstration of a self-powered hydropower cellular base station. This project, designed to showcase sustainable and low-cost connectivity solutions for rural areas, features a hydroelectric power-generation system utilizing a jet turbine developed by Professor Yukihiro Shimatani from the Prefectural University of Kumamoto.
The innovative system operates by channeling water through a nozzle to drive the turbine in the opposite direction, generating electricity. Unlike traditional hydroelectric setups that separate the nozzle and turbine, this device combines both elements into a single, simplified unit that can be manufactured with a 3D printer. This streamlined design not only enhances efficiency but also reduces production costs.
In addition to generating power, the system collects data on electric current, voltage, power, water flow, and pressure. This information is transmitted to Docomo’s Energy Management System (EMS) platform, allowing for real-time monitoring and control of the power supply to the base station.
Docomo’s initiative is part of its broader environmental goals, which include achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 2030 and from its entire supply chain by 2040. The company plans to expand its use of renewable energy sources to further its commitment to sustainability and carbon neutrality.
Currently, approximately 70% of the power consumed by Docomo’s operations in Japan is used by base stations. The company already operates 286 self-powering base stations, primarily utilizing solar energy. This new hydropower project aims to provide a viable alternative in locations where solar panels are impractical, enhancing the flexibility and sustainability of Docomo’s network infrastructure.
