stc First Local Operator for the Diesel-Free Network
Kuwait’s telecommunications company, stc, announced the launch of two pioneering clean energy initiatives aimed at reducing diesel consumption and its associated emissions at network sites. By implementing telecom solutions for remote areas and hybrid solar power systems, stc has become the first telecommunications operator in Kuwait to conduct operational trials of diesel-free network sites, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to enhance sustainable network operations and support the environment in Kuwait by lowering its carbon footprint.
As part of the initiative, stc implemented its first trial, enabling it to operate entirely on solar power 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% on solar power, demonstrating its sustainability and full reliance on clean energy.
The second trial, named the “Hybrid Solar System,” combined solar energy, 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% 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.
By deploying “telecom solutions for remote areas” and “hybrid solar power” at operational network sites, 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 the responsible adoption of technologies that contribute to building a more sustainable future.
Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Dhafer Al-Qahtani, CEO of Technology at stc, said: “The results of our trials represent an important 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 enables 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 leadership, network development, and investment in future technologies. This naturally translates into 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.”
