stc Launches Its Network Sites Without Diesel
Kuwait’s stc announced the launch of two pioneering clean energy trials aimed at reducing diesel consumption and its emissions at network sites. By implementing telecom solutions for hybrid solar power, stc became the first telecommunications operator in Kuwait to conduct operational trials of diesel-free network sites, marking a significant achievement in its efforts to enhance sustainable network operations and support the environment in Kuwait by lowering its carbon footprint.
As part of this initiative, stc implemented its first trials at selected network sites, enabling them to operate entirely on solar power. The system relies on solar panels and battery storage technology to power the network without the need for diesel generators, achieving zero fuel consumption and zero direct emissions while maintaining reliable network performance. Thanks to this trial, network sites can operate 100 percent on solar power, demonstrating their sustainability and full reliance on clean energy.
The second trial, named the “Hybrid Solar System,” combined solar power, smart battery storage, and traditional backup systems to significantly reduce diesel generator usage. As a result, diesel generator runtime decreased from continuous operation to less than four hours per day, representing a reduction of over 83 percent in fuel consumption and associated carbon emissions per site. The hybrid solar system illustrates how alternative energy solutions can enhance operational efficiency while minimizing the environmental impact on network infrastructure.
The significance of these trials lies in their practical application in network environments. These sites traditionally relied on continuously running diesel generators to ensure service continuity, leading to high fuel consumption and substantial carbon emissions. By deploying “telecom solutions” and “hybrid solar power” at operational network sites, Kuwait’s stc is evaluating actual performance and demonstrating the potential of alternative energy solutions to support more sustainable network operations. This initiative reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation and responsible adoption of technologies that contribute to building a more sustainable future.
Commenting on this initiative, Eng. Dhafer Al-Qahtani, Chief Technology Officer at Kuwait’s stc, said, “The results of our trials represent a significant step toward building a more sustainable and energy-efficient network using clean energy. As the first telecommunications operator in Kuwait to test diesel-free and near-diesel-free site solutions, we are exploring an innovative approach that allows us to reduce our environmental impact while maintaining the high levels of reliability and performance that our customers expect from our network.”
Al-Qahtani added, “Sustainability is a key element of stc’s strategy for leading network development and investing in future technologies. This naturally reflects on our operational capabilities and helps us better understand the practical application of alternative energy solutions across different network environments. The results will inform future planning and technology deployment decisions as we continue to enhance operational efficiency and advance our long-term sustainability goals.”
