Are ESTEL Diesel Gensets Still Sustainable for Telecom Operations

Victoria

·June 17, 2025

·13 min read

Are ESTEL Diesel Gensets Still Sustainable for Telecom Operations — Image Source: unsplash

Diesel genset telecom operations face increasing scrutiny as environmental and regulatory pressures intensify. Many telecom operators now turn to hybrid solutions to address sustainability concerns. Hybrid systems, which combine diesel gensets with renewable sources, deliver measurable benefits. Operators in Indonesia report up to 79.3% fuel consumption reduction by adopting hybrid models. In Malaysia, hybrid deployments cut operational costs by 47%. Hybrid technology enables a 20% power saving, while battery capacity drops by up to 77%. Hybrid systems also reduce greenhouse gas emissions, helping companies meet ambitious climate targets.

Metric	Data / Impact
Fuel consumption reduction	Up to 79.3% (Hybrid solar and diesel systems in Indonesia)
Operational expenditure savings	Up to 47% (Hybrid systems in Malaysia)
Power savings	Up to 20% (Reported by Intel and KDDI Corporation)
Battery capacity reduction	Between 54% and 77%
Renewable energy waste reduction	Between 55% and 79%
Greenhouse gas emissions reduction	30% reduction target by NTT Group; 100 tons annually by Southern Linc
Backup power cost savings	64% annual savings (Southern Linc fuel cell case study)

Hybrid adoption addresses key issues such as emissions, health risks, and noise. Hybrid solutions set a new standard for efficiency and sustainability in telecom power infrastructure.

Key Takeaways

Diesel gensets remain vital for telecom power but face growing environmental and health concerns due to high emissions and noise.
Hybrid power systems combining diesel with renewable energy cut fuel use by up to 79%, lower costs by nearly half, and reduce harmful emissions significantly.
Switching to hybrid solutions improves community health by reducing air pollution and noise near telecom towers.
Strict regulations worldwide push telecom operators to adopt cleaner diesel gensets or hybrid systems to meet emission standards.
Telecom companies should invest in hybrid technology and plan transitions carefully to ensure reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable power.

Sustainability Verdict

Diesel Genset Telecom Overview

Diesel genset telecom solutions remain a backbone for power supply in telecommunication towers worldwide. These systems provide critical backup and primary power, especially in regions with unreliable grid access. The market for diesel generators in telecommunication continues to grow, driven by the expansion of telecommunication networks and the increasing need for uninterrupted connectivity.

Power Rating Segment	Application Area	Growth Drivers and Trends
Below 100 kVA	Small cell sites, micro-BTS units	Compact, cost-effective; driven by 5G network densification
100-350 kVA	Medium BTS, local data centers	Balanced power and cost; growth due to rural/remote installations
350-1000 kVA	Large data centers, network operations	Supports large-scale data centers; driven by cloud services and edge computing demand

Regional Outlook	Key Factors
Asia Pacific	Rapid digital transformation, telecom infrastructure expansion, high mobile subscriber growth
North America & Europe	Infrastructure upgrades, emphasis on uninterrupted communication services

The global market for diesel genset telecom solutions reached USD 1.4 billion in 2024. The segment for ≤25 kVA units holds over 20% market share, powering small cell and remote telecommunication towers. The 25-50 kVA segment is forecast to exceed USD 600 million by 2034, reflecting the ongoing need for reliable power in areas with unstable grids. Over 60% of telecommunication towers in India experience grid disruptions exceeding eight hours daily, which increases reliance on diesel genset telecom systems.

Despite their prevalence, diesel genset telecom solutions face mounting scrutiny due to emissions and carbon emissions. Telecommunication operators must balance the need for reliable power with growing environmental concerns. The industry sees a shift toward hybrid systems, which combine diesel genset telecom units with renewable sources to reduce emissions and operational costs.

Note: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) experts and sustainability analysts have conducted detailed studies on the environmental impact of diesel genset telecom operations. These studies confirm significant concerns regarding emissions, carbon emissions, and overall sustainability, especially when compared to hybrid alternatives.

Key Drivers

Several factors influence the continued deployment of diesel genset telecom solutions in telecommunication towers:

The frequency of power outages remains high in many regions, making diesel genset telecom systems essential for backup power in telecommunication towers.
Rapid expansion of telecommunication networks, especially in rural and remote areas, increases demand for reliable power sources.
Hybrid systems gain traction as they improve efficiency and reduce emissions, aligning with sustainability goals in telecommunication.
Integration of advanced technologies, such as IoT and remote monitoring, enhances operational control and fuel economy for diesel genset telecom units.
Manufacturers introduce new diesel generators that comply with stricter emission regulations, such as CPCB IV+ standards, to address environmental concerns.
The growing focus on sustainability encourages telecommunication operators to adopt hybrid solutions, which combine diesel genset telecom units with solar or wind power to lower carbon emissions.
Economic drivers include the need for cost-effective, scalable power solutions for telecommunication towers, especially as 5G and IoT deployments accelerate.
Challenges such as fuel price volatility, environmental regulations, and competition from alternative energy sources shape deployment strategies for diesel genset telecom systems.

Hybrid solutions now set a new benchmark for sustainability in telecommunication towers. Operators who integrate hybrid systems report significant reductions in emissions and carbon emissions, while maintaining the reliability required for telecommunication services.

Environmental Impact

Emissions and Pollution

Diesel gensets in telecommunication towers contribute significantly to environmental pollution. Each base transceiver station (BTS) powered by diesel gensets consumes about 18,000 liters of fuel annually. This consumption results in approximately 46.5 metric tons of CO2 emissions per year for each site. The environmental impact grows as the number of telecommunication towers increases, especially in regions with unreliable grid power.

Metric	Value
Diesel fuel consumption per BTS per year	~18,000 litres
CO2 emission per litre of diesel fuel	2.68 kg
Annual CO2 emission per diesel genset	~46.5 metric tons
Number of renewable powered BTS globally	10,233 sites
Global carbon savings from renewable BTS	480,000 metric tons per year
Potential CO2 savings in Asia (10,000 sites)	107,000 metric tons per year

The emissions profile of diesel gensets includes not only CO2 but also nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter. These pollutants exceed recommended safety limits at many telecommunication tower sites. For example, CO2 concentrations can reach up to 4,498 ppm, while NO2 and SO2 levels often surpass health-based thresholds. Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) levels frequently exceed the 150 µg/m3 limit, increasing the risk of respiratory illness.

Pollutant	Measured Range / Observation	Notes on Limits and Impact
CO2 concentration	1976 to 4498 ppm	Exceeds normal outdoor and safety levels
NO2 (component of NOx)	Exceeded limits even at locations away from BS	Indicates health risks and need for cleaner energy
SO2	~48% of measurements exceeded recommended limits	Significant exceedance of safety thresholds
Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10)	Exceeded 150 µg/m3 recommended limit	Poses health risks to workers and nearby residents

Hybrid power systems offer a solution by reducing diesel fuel use and associated emissions. Operators who switch to hybrid models report substantial drops in carbon emissions and overall environmental footprint. For example, renewable-powered telecommunication towers have saved 480,000 metric tons of CO2 globally each year.

Health and Community Risks

The environmental impact of diesel gensets extends beyond air pollution. Residents and workers near telecommunication towers face increased health risks due to emissions and particulate pollution. Surveys show that over 90% of people living close to these sites experience discomfort. Many report symptoms such as headaches and sleeplessness, which correlate with proximity to telecommunication towers.

Aspect Measured	Methodology	Key Findings	Recommendations
Health and Environmental Impact	Survey questionnaires assessing residents' perception and health symptoms	Over 90% of respondents found surroundings uncomfortable; significant correlation between proximity to BTS and headaches, sleeplessness	Avoid locating BTS within 300 meters of residential areas

Particulate matter and NOx emissions from diesel gensets contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. SO2 and CO emissions also pose risks, especially for vulnerable populations. The environmental footprint of diesel-powered telecommunication towers includes increased ground-level ozone and acid rain, which damage local ecosystems and infrastructure.

Hybrid solutions help reduce these risks by lowering emissions and improving air quality. Telecommunication operators who adopt hybrid systems report fewer complaints from nearby communities and improved public health outcomes.

Noise and Other Effects

Noise pollution represents another major environmental concern for communities near telecommunication towers. Diesel gensets produce noise levels ranging from 66.1 dB to 87.9 dB during the day and 64.9 dB to 84.3 dB at night. These levels exceed the NESREA limits of 55 dB for daytime and 45 dB for nighttime in residential areas.

Parameter	Measurement Method	Observed Range	Notes
Noise Level	Digital Realistic Sound Level Meter	83.1 - 88.7 dB(A)	Exceeds typical residential noise limits

Residents report noise and vibration as major environmental issues. Statistical analysis shows a strong link between proximity to telecommunication towers and health problems such as headaches and sleep disturbances. The Relative Impact Index for noise and vibration stands at 3.75 and 3.61, respectively, indicating high concern among affected populations.

Note: Experts recommend increasing the setback distance for telecommunication towers beyond 10 meters and avoiding installations within 300 meters of residential buildings. They also suggest adopting hybrid or renewable energy sources to minimize noise and environmental impact.

Bar chart displaying minimum and maximum observed ranges for pollutants and noise levels from telecom diesel gensets

Hybrid systems, which combine renewable energy with diesel backup, significantly reduce noise and vibration. These systems help telecommunication operators meet environmental standards and improve community relations. The shift to hybrid power not only lowers emissions and carbon emissions but also creates a quieter, healthier environment around telecommunication towers.

Regulatory Trends

Current Standards

Regulatory agencies have tightened standards for diesel gensets in telecom operations. Many countries now require compliance with strict emission norms. In India, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) introduced the IV+ standard in 2023. This regulation sets lower limits for emissions such as nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and carbon monoxide. The CPCB IV+ standard aims to reduce environmental harm and protect public health. Telecom operators must now use gensets that meet these requirements to limit environmental impact.

Other regions also enforce similar rules. The European Union applies Stage V standards, while the United States uses EPA Tier 4 regulations. These standards focus on reducing emissions and improving air quality. Telecom companies must adapt quickly to avoid penalties and maintain their licenses. Environmental compliance has become a core part of telecom infrastructure planning. Construction activity pollution prevention measures are now mandatory at many sites. These rules help reduce emissions during installation and operation.

Industry Initiatives

Telecom equipment manufacturers have responded to regulatory changes with new products and innovations. Companies like Mahindra Powerol launched CPCB IV+ compliant diesel gensets in March 2024. These models use advanced engineering and after-treatment systems to cut emissions. Sudhir Power Limited and Cummins organized a large roadshow in India to showcase CPCB IV+ gensets. They highlighted both performance and environmental benefits.

Cummins also introduced DG Blue Diesel Exhaust Fluid at CONEXPO India 2024. This product supports CPCB IV+ gensets and improves fuel management. Atlas Copco updated its diesel generators to meet new emissions standards, focusing on sustainability and regulatory compliance. The market for telecom standby diesel gensets continues to grow, driven by demand for fuel-efficient and low-emission models.

Hybrid solutions play a key role in meeting environmental goals. Many telecom operators now use hybrid systems that combine diesel gensets with solar or wind power. These hybrid setups lower emissions, reduce carbon emissions, and support construction activity pollution prevention. Hybrid technology helps telecom companies protect the environment and meet regulatory targets. Operators see hybrid systems as essential for future-ready, sustainable telecom infrastructure.

Alternatives and Innovations

Renewable Solutions

Telecom operators increasingly adopt renewable alternatives to address environmental concerns and reduce operational costs. Solar and wind energy systems now power many remote telecom sites, offering a sustainable path toward decarbonization. These systems provide reliable electricity, especially in regions with high solar radiation or consistent wind. Operators report that renewable powered BTS installations achieve significant carbon emission reduction and lower long-term costs. For example, photovoltaic energy costs continue to decrease, with payback periods for solar and wind systems ranging from two to five years. After this period, operators benefit from over 15 years of low-cost, clean energy. Renewable solutions also eliminate the need for complex fuel logistics, reducing the environmental impact on local communities.

Hybrid Systems

Hybrid renewable energy integration has become the preferred approach for telecom infrastructure. Hybrid systems combine solar, wind, battery storage, and sometimes fuel cells with diesel backup. This integration ensures continuous power supply, even during periods of low sunlight or wind. Hybrid renewable energy integration reduces fuel consumption by over 90%, slashing both operational costs and environmental emissions. Operators in the Czech Republic and Australia have deployed hybrid systems that operate off-grid, demonstrating rapid installation and reliable performance. These hybrid solutions support digital inclusion by enabling telecom services in hard-to-reach areas. Hybrid renewable energy integration also addresses health, safety, and environmental challenges by minimizing diesel use and associated risks.

Metric	Diesel Genset Systems	Renewable/Hybrid Systems
Cost of Energy (COE)	$0.469–$0.766 per kWh	$0.054–$0.242 per kWh
CO2 Emissions	8,978–13,694 kg/year	1,504–2,946 kg/year
Fuel Consumption	569.8–1,115.9 L annually	Reduced by over 90%

Hybrid renewable energy integration not only improves reliability but also supports environmental goals. Operators report fewer complaints from nearby communities and improved public health outcomes due to reduced noise and air pollution.

Environmental Analysis

Environmental analysis consistently shows that hybrid renewable energy integration delivers the lowest environmental footprint among telecom power solutions. Diesel gensets have the highest carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions over their life cycle. In contrast, hybrid renewable energy integration with lithium-ion batteries or fuel cells can reduce CO2-equivalent emissions by up to 84%. Environmental analysis also highlights the importance of considering full life-cycle emissions, including fuel production, operation, and maintenance. Hybrid renewable energy integration supports decarbonization and aligns with global sustainability targets. Operators who transition to green energy alternatives achieve measurable environmental benefits and set new standards for responsible telecom operations.

Note: Environmental analysis confirms that hybrid renewable energy integration is the most effective strategy for reducing environmental impact and supporting long-term sustainability in telecom infrastructure.

Practical Considerations

Operational Challenges

Telecommunication operators face several operational challenges when managing diesel gensets at telecommunication towers. Diesel generator failures can disrupt network reliability and service quality. Common issues include seized pistons, engine overheating, AC alternator faults, fuel pump failures, and injection pump failures. These problems often lead to unexpected downtime, which can impact telecommunication services.

Seized pistons and overheating engines require immediate attention to prevent further damage.
AC alternator faults may cause power fluctuations, affecting sensitive telecommunication equipment.
Fuel and injection pump failures can halt generator operation, risking service interruptions at telecommunication towers.

Backup batteries play a crucial role in these scenarios. They supply power for at least eight hours during diesel generator faults, ensuring that telecommunication services remain operational until repairs are completed. Hybrid configurations, which combine utility grids, backup batteries, and diesel generators, offer the highest dependability among tested frameworks. When a diesel generator fails, backup batteries automatically provide DC power to telecommunication equipment, minimizing downtime and maintaining network stability.

Hybrid systems address many of these operational challenges by reducing reliance on diesel gensets. Operators report fewer incidents of generator failure and improved uptime at telecommunication towers. Hybrid solutions also simplify maintenance schedules and lower the risk of prolonged outages.

Transition Strategies

Telecommunication operators now adopt strategic frameworks to transition from diesel gensets to greener energy alternatives. A diversified energy portfolio forms the foundation of this approach. Operators integrate on-site renewables, off-site power purchase agreements (PPAs), and grid-based renewable sources to reduce carbon emissions and improve sustainability at telecommunication towers.

Financial instruments such as virtual PPAs, sleeve agreements, and synthetic PPAs provide flexibility and risk management in clean energy procurement.
Participation in carbon markets and emissions trading helps operators meet sustainability goals while generating additional revenue.
Innovative financing models, including Energy-as-a-Service, green bonds, and sustainability-linked finance, lower upfront costs and enable access to advanced renewable technologies.
Flexibility services, such as demand response, ancillary grid services, and battery storage integration, optimize energy use and support grid stability.
Strategic partnerships with energy developers and infrastructure investors accelerate the deployment of clean energy at telecommunication towers.

Hybrid systems play a central role in these transition strategies. By combining renewables, batteries, and diesel backup, hybrid solutions ensure reliable power for telecommunication networks. Operators benefit from reduced operational costs, improved environmental performance, and enhanced service continuity. The shift to hybrid power at telecommunication towers sets a new standard for sustainable telecommunication infrastructure.

Telecom operators face strong environmental and regulatory pressures. Diesel gensets no longer provide a sustainable solution for long-term telecom needs. Operators should consider these steps for a sustainable future:

Adopt hybrid systems to reduce emissions and costs.
Monitor regulatory changes and upgrade equipment as needed.
Invest in hybrid technology for reliable and clean power.

Hybrid solutions help telecom companies balance reliability, cost, and environmental responsibility.

FAQ

What makes hybrid power systems more sustainable than diesel-only gensets?

Hybrid systems use renewable energy sources like solar or wind. These systems reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Operators report lower costs and improved air quality. Hybrid setups also help telecom companies meet environmental regulations.

How do diesel gensets impact community health near telecom towers?

Diesel gensets release pollutants such as NOx and particulate matter. These emissions can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems. People living near towers often report headaches and sleep issues. Hybrid systems help reduce these health risks.

Are there cost benefits to switching from diesel gensets to hybrid systems?

Yes. Operators see up to 47% savings in operational costs. Hybrid systems require less fuel and maintenance. Over time, the investment in renewables pays off with lower energy bills and fewer repairs.

What regulations affect diesel genset use in telecom operations?

Many countries enforce strict emission standards. India uses CPCB IV+, Europe applies Stage V, and the US follows EPA Tier 4. Telecom operators must upgrade equipment to comply with these rules and avoid penalties.