Airtel to cut diesel costs by N28 billion, switch to clean energy

Airtel Nigeria has announced a strategic move to significantly reduce its annual diesel spend, which currently stands at N28 billion, by switching to cleaner energy sources.

The move is expected to not only save money for Airtel but also reduce emissions and environmental impact, helping the country achieve its renewable energy and climate change goals.

Airtel Nigeria Corporate Communications and CSR Director, Femi Adeniran, who disclosed the information during a media roundtable on Tuesday in Lagos, said the decision is part of the company’s broader commitment to environmental sustainability and cost-efficiency in its operations.

Adeniran stated that Airtel has over 15,000 outlets across Nigeria, each equipped with at least one diesel generator currently consuming about 23 million litres (equivalent to N28 billion) of diesel per month, which has a significant impact on the environment.

He confirmed that the telecom operator intends to reduce its spending on diesel to power its facilities as it undertakes sustainability measures to reduce its carbon footprint.

He said monthly expenses could be higher if not for colocation, which allows the country’s telecom operators to share infrastructure. “We are committed to minimizing our environmental footprint. Our move to grid and solar power will significantly reduce diesel consumption and mitigate climate change.

“Airtel, one of Nigeria’s leading telecommunications service providers, will begin phasing out its reliance on diesel-powered generators, which have long been the backbone of power supply at its base stations, offices and other facilities across the country. In our location, the company plans to deploy renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, along with more energy-efficient technologies,” he said. Adeniran noted that Airtel Nigeria’s sustainability efforts are expected to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s climate change mitigation goals.

Director of Network Transformation and Planning, Airtel Nigeria, Harmanpreet Singh Dhillon, said the telco will invest in lithium-ion batteries instead of conventional batteries, which helps in reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Dhillon said that apart from reducing the carbon footprint, the telco is also implementing outdoor-friendly electronic/communication devices. “These gadgets eliminate the need for air conditioning in rooms as they are resistant to high humidity, temperatures and dust,” he added.

“Traditional equipment used to be very temperature sensitive, high temperatures, which required a room and air conditioning, which again increased energy consumption. Now we buy equipment that can operate in any environment, hence energy consumption decreases and does not require a large kilowatt consumption.

“With this move, power consumption is reduced, allowing Airtel to lower its electricity consumption, reduce its dependence on generators and increase its use of solar energy and lithium-ion batteries,” Dhillon said.

Airtel Nigeria Chief Information Technology Officer Kemi Ariyo has announced that the company will lead the adoption of green technologies, starting with its data centres. She said the data centre, which is expected to be completed by 2027, will boost the telecoms company’s sustainability and efficiency.