Using the sun, wind and hydrogen. Telia has built a telecommunications station with a much lower negative impact on the environment. We hope that the pilot project will be used in several places in Norwayto create environmentally friendly mobile coverage.
- We have tried over the years and finally we succeeded: on Trollstigen, an ecological and sustainable telecommunications station has been built under nearly impossible conditions and we can finally offer 5G coverage on this stretch, says project manager Erik Kværnmo at Telia Norway.
Sun, wind and hydrogen
The pilot project at the top of Trollstigen is the world's first sustainable solar, wind and hydrogen powered base station. The only emission of the station is steam, and thanks to renewable energy and specially developed technology, the station provides support for 5G networks with high speed and high capacity.
- Separately, it all existed before, in the form of solar cells, wind turbines and hydrogen storage. But thanks to this station, we have combined all renewable units into one and we have a station that no one has seen before, says Kværnmo.
The facility consists of a 20-meter-high mast. A specially designed cabin with room for radio equipment and hydrogen storage, solar cells in the mast and on the roof, and four wind turbines.
It covers the need for security in crisis situations
When thousands of tourists are expected to travel this summer, this is the first time mobile coverage is available. The base station transmits both 5G, 4G and 2G. Before Telia opened the station, the only option was to contact the outside world through the emergency network. Where a satellite had to be used to contact the emergency services.
- It's very important if an accident happens and you need help quickly, says Kværnmo.
There have been several accidents over the years and reporting such cases has been difficult. Accordingly, both the National Communications Office. The Norwegian Public Roads Authority and the poviat authorities wanted to have better infrastructure and mobile network coverage.
It takes time for the expansion of cellular networks in the nature reserve to be possible. The station requires electricity, and in order to avoid serious interference with nature, the solution was a self-sufficient telecommunications station.
- Trollstigen never had a cellular network before Telia built one. There was only a backup network powered by a diesel generator. It was both dangerous and emitting CO2 emissions, says Kværnmo.
Hope for more green base stations
Telia's CEO, Svein Erik Vellan, also sees the enormous potential of self-sufficient base stations. She hopes this is just the beginning of making Norway's tourist attractions safer. With technology that will benefit both people and the environment.
The fact that we now have 5G in Trollstigen is an important signal that we are building 5G all over Norway and also symbolizes the sustainable aspect of the new technology. The 5G network is a very energy efficient network and there is huge potential for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly 5G society, says Vellan, who hopes that everyone who travels this stretch this summer will be pleased with the new coverage.
