Philippines - SMART cellsites using wind and solar power

Smart Communications Inc. is using wind and solar energy in operating its cellsites in remote areas, including one in Punta Bulata in Cauayan, Negros Occidental, a press release from the company said.

At present, it is using hybrid wind and solar power in 11 cellsites situated in Tanudan in Kalinga; Ba-ay-Licuan and Luba in Abra; Cagayancillo and Busuanga in Palawan; San Isidro, Hinabangan and UET Catarman in Samar; Boracay in Aklan; Sarangani in Davao del Sur; and in Cauayan,Negros Occidental.

Jun Costes, senior manager of Network Services Division, said that for 2008, the company is aiming to deploy another 34 eco-friendly cellsites, 19 of which will be wind-powered and 15, hybrid solar- and wind-powered.

Not all cellsites have potential wind source, so solar energy was the obvious easily available energy, he said in the press release.

The press release also said its first wind-powered cellsite was installed in Malapascua Island in Cebu in December 2006. Late last year, it deployed 33 more renewable energy-powered cellsites, including 11 which are hybrid wind- and solar-powered.

It said the hybrid wind- and solar-powered cellsite system serves as a reliable, efficient and economic alternative to the fuel generator, which is commonly used in powering cellsites. Compared to diesel-driven generators that need monthly refueling, produce carbon dioxide emissions and entail costly replacement of engine oil and filters, the hybrid wind- and solar-powered system require minimal maintenance.

NSD senior engineer Davidson Sevilleja said in the press release that solar cells made from semiconductor materials convert sunlight directly into electricity, adding that during the day when the wind speed is low, solar power becomes the primary source of power of the cellsites.

Sevilleja said that at night, the wind turbines deliver electricity to the cellsite.

The press release added that the use of hybrid wind- and solar-powered cellsites translates to reduced operational expenses because the electricity cost is almost free and the high cost of hauling fuel to the cellsite has been removed.*

For more information, please contact Trevor Sievert at trevor@windfair.net