Smart builds more green cell sites

MANILA, Philippines - Smart Communications Inc. is set to roll out additional cell sites powered by wind and solar energy in more than five provinces this year.

Upon completion, Smart will have over 160 green cell sites nationwide.

The use of wind and solar energy to power cell sites is aligned with the government’s call for different sectors to explore the use of renewable energy for their power requirements.

Sen. Edgardo Angara, chairman of the Congressional Commission on Science and Technology (Comste), recently noted that the potential for renewable energy source in the country is still untapped despite moves to develop and install wind farms around the country.

“Smart is a medium-sized power generating company. We have to generate our own power supply in off-grid sites. With our ‘Alternative Power for Cell Sites program,’ we are choosing a way that is friendly to both the environment and the local community,” said Smart Public Affairs Group head Ramon Isberto.

Among the areas targeted for the deployment of hybrid-powered cell sites are Quezon, Masbate, Palawan, Catanduanes, Lanao del Sur, and selected provinces in the northern part of Luzon with abundant wind and solar power and solar.

“Cell sites, like cellphones, continue to evolve. Cell sites are becoming smaller and less fuel reliant. That’s why we are always looking for greener solutions,” said Smart Technical Services Division senior manager Jun Costes.

Early last year, Smart installed the country’s first hybrid wind-solar power system that uses vertical-axis wind turbines at the Makati Medical Center in Makati City.

Unlike the traditional three-bladed horizontal-axis wind turbine, the wind turbine installed at the roofdeck of the MakatiMed has a rotor shaft that runs vertically. This makes it ideal for the urban setting because the need to position the turbine for wind direction is eliminated. Vertical-axis wind turbines also allow installation close to the ground.

Smart has also begun exploring the use of fuel cell technology, which involves eco-friendly fuel like hydrogen, natural gas or liquid methanol.

The move to harness solar and wind power for cell sites began five years ago when Smart installed the country’s first wind-powered cell site in Sitio Guimbitayan on Malapascua Island, northeast of Cebu province.

Smart has been recognized for its use of renewable energy sources when it won the first “Green Mobile Award” at the 2009 GSMA Awards in Barcelona, Spain.