BT Group has activated its first self-powering mobile site in the Shropshire Hills, with approximately 70% of the site’s energy requirements met by on-site solar panels and a wind turbine.
The Shropshire Hills site provides reliable 4G and 5G connectivity to EE customers living, working, and travelling in the area.
Power is generated using a mix of renewable sources—solar and wind—stored in batteries to maintain continuous operation. In cases of insufficient renewable energy, a generator powered by Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) ensures backup power is available.
HVO is a sustainable fuel made from waste and residual oils, further supporting the site’s green credentials.
The site is expected to generate around 17,000kWh of renewable energy annually, equating to 100,000 hot showers. This not only supports sustainability goals but also offers cost savings of over £10,000 per year.
While this site is a trial, BT says it has already identified hundreds of other locations, particularly in coastal and hilly areas, where similar self-powering technology could be deployed in the future.
