M1's BTS solar installations slash electricity by 20%

It plans to add more solar panels to another 10 sites in 2025.

M1 Limited’s sustainability initiatives have progressed through the greening of base transceiver stations (BTS) and the implementation of smart network management technology in the country

The telco company has installed solar panels at eight BTS sites across Singapore to reduce grid electricity consumption and overall energy use. 

These installations have cut electricity consumption by about 20% per site, equating to approximately 4,800 kWh annually per BTS, which is more than 13 months' worth of energy for an average four-room household.

The new installations build on previous projects at Raffles Lighthouse and St. John Island, aimed at supporting the energy needs of M1’s mobile network.

M1 plans to add solar panels to another 10 sites in 2025 and will continue to monitor technology trends and conduct trials to enhance its green energy use.

The company has also completed a pilot trial for smart network management technology, designed to reduce energy consumption during low traffic periods by adjusting the power use of network elements based on real-time traffic conditions. Initial assessments suggest potential energy savings of up to 300,000 kWh per year across M1’s network.

In 2023, M1 recorded a 3.2% reduction in total energy consumption by overhauling and upgrading equipment and building infrastructure to more energy-efficient alternatives.

The company also reduced its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 22.4% and 57% respectively compared to its base year 2020. M1 aims to cut its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 46.2% and Scope 3 emissions by 42% within six years.