DoomsdaysCW#Africa’s #cellphone towers turn to #solar as diesel costs surge
By ALLAN OLINGO, Updated 12:04 AM EDT, May 2, 2026
NAIROBI, #Kenya (AP) — "Rising diesel prices linked to the Iran war are adding urgency to a shift already underway across Africa to move cellphone towers off #FossilFuels and onto #SolarPower.
"Diesel, which powers the majority of Africa’s roughly 500,000 telecommunications towers, has become more expensive and sometimes harder to secure in recent weeks as global fuel markets tightened following the conflict. Several African countries that rely heavily on imported fuel have reported price spikes and supply disruptions, prompting governments and companies to reassess energy strategies.
"The transition to cleaner power for the towers that provide cellphone service predates the latest price shocks, driven by cost pressures and climate goals. But the war in the Middle East has accelerated the push.
" 'Diesel has always been a major cost, but recent global events have made it even more volatile,' said Lande Abudu, senior energy specialist for Africa at GSMA, a global industry organization representing mobile operators. “That strengthens the case for solar and hybrid solutions.' "
Read more:
https://apnews.com/article/solar-towers-africa-energy-diesel-5ab1f050d9b0ba90d21a5d53f153ba2d
#SolarPunkSunday #RenewablesNow #RenewableEnergy #SolarPower
Solar-powered cell towers in Africa curb costs, emissions and outages
Cellphone tower operators across Africa are increasingly turning to solar power to reduce reliance on costly diesel fuel and expand connectivity in off-grid areas. Diesel still powers most towers — and there are roughly 500,000 telecommunications towers across the continent — but rising fuel prices, falling solar costs and new financing models are accelerating a shift to hybrid and solar systems. The Iran war has exacerbated those supply issues. The transition could cut emissions, lower operating costs and improve network reliability. However, high up-front investment, battery limitations and operational risks mean adoption is likely to remain gradual in the near term.
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