Globe cuts diesel reliance with solar power

Globe Telecom Inc. is reducing its reliance on diesel-powered generators by deploying solar energy and battery storage systems across remote cell sites, as the company moves to cut fuel consumption and improve network efficiency.

The telecommunications company said Friday it started replacing conventional diesel generators in remote provinces with hybrid solar photovoltaic systems integrated with Battery Energy Storage Systems.

The systems use lithium-ion and sodium-nickel batteries, which Globe said offer longer service life and safer handling compared with traditional lead-acid batteries.

For cell sites that still require generators, Globe is installing automated load management systems to optimize fuel consumption and minimize engine operating hours.

The transition complements Globe’s shift of more than 1,000 cell sites to renewable energy as of August through the government’s Retail Aggregation Program.

Milestone achievement

Globe, which adopted RAP in 2025, said it is the first telecommunications operator in the Philippines to reach the milestone under the program.

“A major highlight of executing our Net Zero Strategy has been leveraging the government-initiated Retail Aggregation Program,” said Joel Agustin, Globe senior vice president for Engineering and Network Planning.

“As the first telco in the Philippines to switch cell sites to renewable energy under RAP, converting over 1,000 sites to clean power reinforces our commitment to operational efficiency, network resilience, and disaster readiness.”

Apart from reducing diesel consumption and emissions, the hybrid power systems are designed to sustain cell site operations during prolonged outages and extreme weather events.

The company said the initiative is part of its broader Net Zero Strategy and supports compliance with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act.