Ever greener network towers: a new step forward in Egypt
As COP28 approaches, underlining the global climate emergency, Egypt is taking an important step towards reducing the environmental impact of network towers. Since January 2023, Telecom Egypt has been operating a tower made from materials that are both environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing, while being supported by integrated wireless connection solutions and a solar energy system. This marks a significant step forward in the quest for sustainable connectivity in Africa.
The headlong rush to ubiquitous connectivity and the advent of the Internet of Things (IoT) underline the urgent need for a green transition in the digital sector, particularly in Africa. On the continent, the explosion in demand for connectivity, coupled with the growing adoption of smartphones in sub-Saharan Africa, calls for an innovative solution to reduce the energy consumption of network towers. In 2020, these infrastructures produced 330 million tonnes of CO2, or no less than 0.9% of the world’s energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Against this backdrop, Egypt is setting itself apart by deploying the continent’s first green tower compatible with the wireless network. Thanks to a partnership with Huawei, Telecom Egypt commissioned an 18-metre fibre-reinforced polymer tower on 12 January 2023, paving the way for a more sustainable digital future in Africa.
The new network tower in Egypt, made from fibre-reinforced polymer, stands out for its eco-friendly design, as this material, which is lighter and stronger than traditional constructions, contributes to a significant reduction in energy consumption and the carbon footprint associated with telecoms infrastructure.