India Introduces Hydrogen Fuel Cell Backup Power for Telecom Towers

  • 03/03/2025

India has unveiled an advanced hydrogen fuel cell-based backup power system designed to enhance connectivity while promoting clean energy adoption. This plug-and-play model offers a sustainable alternative to diesel generators, which have long been used to power telecom towers, particularly in remote areas with unreliable grid access. The high cost and environmental impact of diesel generators have been major challenges, making this shift to hydrogen fuel cells a significant step toward greener telecom infrastructure.

The newly developed Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology enables efficient power generation with water vapor as the only by-product, making it an eco-friendly alternative. Unlike diesel generators, these fuel cells require minimal maintenance and provide high power density in a compact, transportable design. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and TRAI have been advocating for increased adoption of renewable energy sources in the telecom sector, and PEM fuel cells align perfectly with these sustainability goals.

Developed by the Centre for Fuel Cell Technology (CFCT) at ARCI under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), this innovative backup power system was successfully demonstrated in Pune in collaboration with Resicorre Technologies. The model allows for easy transportability and deployment across multiple telecom towers, reducing reliance on diesel generators and optimizing energy usage. This initiative, part of India’s broader hydrogen and fuel cell development efforts, marks a significant advancement in the country’s clean energy transition.

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