How do low or no emission power methods for 4G mobile masts, such as wind, solar, hydrogen, and other methods, compare to diesel generation power in terms of ;(i) viability, (ii) reliability, (iii) durability, (iv) cost to operate?

Background

BDUK wishes to develop a stronger evidence base around the telecoms market and how it functions at a national level. In these markets, BDUK is interested in increasing understanding of infrastructure planning and decision making, as well as how infrastructure maintenance can be ensured in the long term.

BDUK would like more insight into the barriers to delivery of gigabit and mobile roll-out across the UK and what technological innovations may assist in this. International comparisons for gigabit and mobile connectivity roll out would also be beneficial.

Cutting across all programmes, BDUK wants to understand more about the impacts of fixed and mobile connectivity, specifically how greater connectivity benefits businesses, residents, and public sector organisations. In addition, BDUK also needs more evidence on the behavioural changes connectivity makes to residents and businesses which have been connected, and the wider impacts this may have.

Lastly, BDUK is interested in more evidence on the environmental impact of its work.

Next steps

If you are keen to register your interest in working and connecting with DSIT Digital Technology and Telecoms Group and/or submitting evidence, then please complete the DSIT-ARI Evidence survey - https://dsit.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cDfmK2OukVAnirs.
Please view full details: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/department-for-science-innovation-and-technology-areas-of-research-interest/dsit-areas-of-research-interest-2024

Related UKRI funded projects


  • NetworkPlus - A green, connected and prosperous Britain

    The impending rollout of 5G offers significant opportunity to reassess how to build, operate and manage networks in a smart, strategic way providing connectivity and mobility equity across the UK. For example, implementi...

    Funded by: EPSRC

    Lead research organisation: London South Bank University

    Why might this be relevant?

    The project discusses the viability, reliability, durability, and cost to operate of low emission power methods for mobile connectivity.

  • Green Heterogeneous Networks

    The tremendous development of mobile networks has enabled ubiquitous communication that has transformed the way people connect with each other. With fast and reliable information exchange, mobile communication is becomin...

    Funded by: EPSRC

    Lead research organisation: University of Manchester

    Why might this be relevant?

    The project focuses on energy efficiency in mobile networks but does not cover all aspects of the question.

  • GreenTower AI: Hyper-Optimized and Self-Sustaining Cell Towers for a Net-Zero UK Telecom

    **GreenTower AI: Unleashing the Power of Data for Net-Zero Cell Towers** Imagine a future where the UK's telecommunications network powers itself sustainably, minimizing its carbon footprint and contributing to cleaner ...

    Funded by: TMF

    Lead research organisation: INTEGRATED SYSTEMS ENGINEERING LTD

    Why might this be relevant?

    The project specifically addresses the comparison of low or no emission power methods for mobile masts to diesel generation in terms of viability, reliability, durability, and cost to operate.

  • Roadmap for the Evaluation of the environmental Impact of next Generation telecommunications Networks and Services (REIGNS)

    Cambium will develop a **R**oadmap for the **E**valuation of the environmental **I**mpact of next **G**eneration telecommunications **N**etworks and **S**ervices (REIGNS). Information and Communications Technologies (IC...

    Funded by: TMF

    Lead research organisation: CAMBIUM UK LLP

  • MoRTEC (Monitoring Real Time Electricity Consumption)

    The proposed solution - which comprises a tool and a service - addresses environmental sustainability and how wireless network infrastructure can be transformed in such a way so as to: \*achieve Net Zero and relevant su...

    Funded by: TMF

    Lead research organisation: REAL WIRELESS LTD.

  • Market Entry Acceleration of the Murb Wind Turbine into Remote Telecoms Power

    The goal of the project is accelerate introduction of the Murb wind turbine into the telecommunications market. The project output will be a detailed product design package , for a micro grid system that features an ada...

    Funded by: TMF

    Lead research organisation: MURCOTT ENERGY LIMITED

  • Discovering a Sustainable Power Solution for Next Generation 5G Railway Communication

    Passenger numbers have doubled in the last 20 years and are set to double again in the next 25 years. Rail industry can't rely on more track to cater for this growth. In order to unlock the challenge and increase rail ca...

    Funded by: EPSRC

    Lead research organisation: UNIVERSITY OF EXETER

    Why might this be relevant?

    The project addresses sustainable power solutions for 5G railway communication but does not cover all aspects of the question.

  • Design of Sustainable Cloud Radio Access Networks

    The exponential growth in terms of wireless data traffic along with the number of mobile devices is expected to continue. For example, according to Cisco, it is predicted that the number of mobile devices will reach 1.5 ...

    Funded by: EPSRC

    Lead research organisation: Durham University

  • SUPERGEN 1 Renewal Core - FlexNet: Renewal of the Supergen consortium on Future Network Technologies

    FlexNet has been set the goal of researching the future form of the electricity network. This is a great challenge because electricity networks are formed from long lifetime equipment that will often be in place for more...

    Funded by: EPSRC

    Lead research organisation: University of Strathclyde