Docomo launches Japan’s first self-powered hydroelectric base station demonstration experiment

The experiment aims to test the feasibility of a self-powered base station using water flowing in an irrigation canal or similar waterway as a sustainable and low-cost solution for mobile communications networks in rural areas.

Based on the results of the experiment, Docomo hopes to introduce a hydropower system by March 2025 that ensures sustainable operation of self-powered base stations in mobile communications networks.

A jet turbine contains a nozzle that emits a jet of water, called a “jet”, to drive the turbine to rotate in the opposite direction and thus produce electricity. While conventional hydroelectric systems use a separate nozzle and turbine, this device combines both elements into a structure so simple that it can be manufactured using a 3D printer.

The newly developed hydropower system converts electricity into a form suitable for powering base stations. It also collects data on electrical current, voltage and power, as well as water flow and pressure, which is then transmitted to Docomo’s Energy Management System (EMS) platform to monitor and control the power driving the base station. The platform also visualizes the degree of CO2 reduction achieved by this sustainable hydropower system.

Although Docomo’s green base stations primarily use solar energy, the initiative aims to use renewable energy such as hydropower in places where solar panels are not practical.

Docomo’s goal is to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 2030 and net zero greenhouse gas emissions across its entire supply chain by 2040. In the future, Docomo expects to increasingly use renewable energy as part of its commitment to decarbonization and achieving a sustainable, carbon neutral world.

Mobile communications base stations account for approximately 70 percent of the energy consumed by Docomo in Japan. To reduce CO2 emissions resulting from the operation of base stations, Docomo has created ecological base stations that use solar energy systems and high-capacity batteries.

As of the fiscal year ending March 2024, the company had 286 such stations in operation. The electricity generated by these photovoltaic systems is used to power devices, and the excess energy is stored in lithium-ion batteries for use in the event of an extended power outage. for example, after a natural disaster.

Additionally, Docomo’s EMS platform visualizes energy production and CO2 emission reductions in each area and for each base station, aiming to optimize energy operations across the Docomo group.

Additional information:

NTT Docomo