NCC Takes Steps to Eliminate Fossil Fuels from Telecom Industry

NCC Takes Steps to Eliminate Fossil Fuels from Telecom Industry

TECHDIGEST – The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), is taking proactive measures to counter the detrimental effects of climate change caused by the continuous emission of carbon-based energy by telecom operators.

In an effort to achieve this goal, the NCC has unveiled a comprehensive strategy aimed at phasing out the usage of fossil fuels within the industry.

As part of its commitment to environmentally sustainable practices, the NCC is poised to embrace clean and alternative energy solutions to power the telecom sector.

This transition away from fossil fuels aligns with the NCC’s objectives of protecting the environment for telecom consumers and contributing to global efforts in achieving net-zero emissions.

During a roundtable discussion in Kano involving academia, operators, and key stakeholders in the industry, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, outlined his vision of implementing ethical energy sourcing within the sector.

This approach will serve as a guiding principle for telecom service providers to adopt cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, thereby reducing their carbon footprint and fostering a greener environment.

To realize this transition, Professor Danbatta emphasized the need for collaboration and partnership between the NCC, academia, and other stakeholders.

He stressed the importance of advanced research and innovation in shaping feasible alternative clean energy sources that operators can harness.

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As part of their efforts, the NCC is currently providing research grants to three universities in Nigeria to support projects focusing on geothermal energy, hydrogen, and fuel cells for telecommunications equipment.

Professor Danbatta expressed optimism that by directing research efforts toward clean energy alternatives and leveraging digital technology, Nigeria’s telecom sector can undergo a transformation that will significantly impact areas such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and e-commerce.

In his remarks, Professor Danbatta highlighted two key objectives: firstly, reorienting academic research towards viable clean energy sources that can power the telecom industry efficiently, such as solar, wind, and biomass. He urged researchers to explore and understand the potential of these alternatives, address their challenges, and devise implementation strategies.

Secondly, he underscored the importance of research in academia that harnesses digital technology to enhance the lives of Nigerians. By focusing on areas like smart grids, energy storage, and energy management systems, innovative solutions can be developed to optimize energy consumption, reduce costs, and expand access to reliable communication services.

The discussions and ideas generated during the roundtable are expected to catalyze transformative research and innovation within the telecommunications sector.