
Sweden is facing a significant challenge: the pressing need to boost the resilience of its telecommunication infrastructure. Telecommunications has expanded beyond mere phone calls; it now serves as a lifeline for emergency services, digital transactions, and more. This infrastructure must be capable of withstanding prolonged power outages. Presently, resilience is maintained with diesel-powered backup generators, but this solution needs to be updated to balance short-term reliability with long-term climate goals.
To tackle this challenge, the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) has started a project to strengthen infrastructure resilience while meeting national emissions goals. PowerCell Group and its partners have come up with an exciting solution. This innovative solution swaps out fossil fuel generators for renewable energy systems that use solar panels, batteries, hydrogen production, and fuel cells. By adopting this approach, Sweden can boost its infrastructure resilience and stay true to its commitment to a zero-emission future.
During normal operations, the telecom system is powered by the grid, supported by integrated solar panels. The solar panels generate electricity for immediate use, while batteries store excess power for night time. During prolonged outages, the full backup solution combining hydrogen and fuel cells activates. Together with the solar panels and batteries, this ensures seamless telecom operations for up to 110 days.
Solar Power
A 150 m² solar panel installation generating 26 kWp (kilowatt peak) of clean electricity during the day. When the sun is shining, the facility is self-sufficient with solar power, and during the darker months of the year, the other fossil-free energy sources provide support.
Battery Storage
Enhanced battery capacity ensures up to 10 hours of night time operation. This is achieved through ten 100 Ah batteries, an interface unit, and inverters, seamlessly enabling autonomous operations and on-site hydrogen production.
Hydrogen Production
The project incorporates an on-site electrolyser that convert excess solar energy into hydrogen, which is then stored in a high-pressure tank (100 kg, 350 bar pressure. Power equivalent to 3.3 MWh) for future use. Hydrogen is generated and stored whenever the system is supplied with electricity from the grid.
Hydrogen Fuel Cells
In the event of a power outage, the fuel cell converts the stored hydrogen into electricity to keep the mobile mast operational. 10 kW of hydrogen fuel cell power from PowerCell Group provides extended backup power in combination with solar panels and batteries, ensuring critical systems remain operational for up to 110 days in crisis scenarios.
Sweden’s telecommunication masts currently rely on battery backups that last only a few hours—sufficient for minor disruptions but inadequate during prolonged crises. This project offers a scalable alternative that enhances resilience and aligns with Sweden’s commitment to sustainability.
By replacing diesel-powered generators with hydrogen fuel cells, Sweden would take a significant step toward decarbonising its critical infrastructure. The pilot project in Roslagen demonstrates a robust and self-sufficient system capable of meeting the country’s growing demands while reducing environmental impact.
At PowerCell Group, we believe innovation is the key to addressing the challenges of the future. This project is more than a technical achievement—it is a vision for a sustainable, electrified society. By leveraging our expertise in hydrogen fuel cell technology, we are proving that zero-emission solutions can surpass traditional alternatives in reliability, efficiency, and environmental impact.
The success of this initiative underscores Sweden’s ability to lead the way in electrifying everything. Together, we can build a resilient future, powered by hydrogen.
Do you want to know more how we can help you towards sustainable mobile operations? Read more about our zero-emission power generation solutions here.