BT Launches Self-Powered Mobile Site with Solar and Wind Energy

BT Group has unveiled its first-ever self-powered mobile site in the Shropshire Hills, powered by 70% on-site renewable energy from solar panels and wind turbines. This innovative site delivers reliable 4G and 5G connectivity to EE customers and supports BT Groupโ€™s ambitious net zero targets by 2031, showcasing the companyโ€™s commitment to sustainable technology and energy efficiency.
BT Launches Self-Powered Mobile Site with Solar and Wind Energy
Image Credit: BT

BT Group Unveils First Self-Powered Mobile Site in Shropshire Hills

BT Group has activated its first-ever self-powered mobile site, located in the rural Shropshire Hills. This pioneering initiative harnesses renewable energy, with approximately 70% of the siteโ€™s power generated by on-site solar panels and a wind turbine. The mobile site will provide reliable 4G and 5G connectivity to EE customers living, working, and traveling in the area, marking a significant step in the companyโ€™s sustainability journey.

Harnessing 100% Renewable Energy for Mobile Site Operations


The Shropshire Hills mobile site relies entirely on renewable energy, with solar and wind sources meeting its operational power needs. Through an environmental assessment, the location was identified as suitable for this energy solution. The energy generated on-site is stored in batteries, which power the mast delivering mobile connectivity.

When renewable energy is insufficient, and the battery is fully discharged, a backup generator powered by Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) kicks in. HVO is considered a green fuel as itโ€™s produced from waste and residual oils, allowing BT Group to maintain connectivity for customers while adhering to its sustainability goals.

Significant Energy Savings Through Wind and Solar Power

BT Group anticipates that the self-powered mobile site will generate around 17,000 kWh of wind and solar energy annually, equivalent to the energy needed for 100,000 hot showers. This will result in cost savings of more than ยฃ10,000. While this Shropshire Hills site serves as a trial, BT Group has identified hundreds of other locations, particularly in coastal or hilly areas, where similar renewable energy technology could be deployed.

BT Groupโ€™s Commitment to Sustainable Connectivity

Greg McCall, Chief Networks Officer at BT Group, emphasized the importance of balancing the need for widespread connectivity with responsible energy consumption. โ€œDelivering ubiquitous coverage is critically important in an age where connectivity has never been so central to everyday life, but it absolutely must be done in a responsible and sustainable manner. Itโ€™s paramount that we increase the energy-efficiency of our networks, and so weโ€™re really excited about the potential of self-powering sites in enabling us to meet both our sustainability and connectivity ambitions,โ€ said McCall.

The launch of this self-powered mobile site aligns with BT Groupโ€™s larger goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2031. Network operations currently account for around 89% of the companyโ€™s total energy consumption, making energy efficiency a top priority. This innovation follows other energy-saving measures implemented by BT Group, including the rollout of cell-sleep technology across its Radio Access Network (RAN) and the decommissioning of its legacy 3G network.

Advancing Toward BT Groupโ€™s Net Zero 2031 Vision

BT Groupโ€™s broader sustainability strategy is centered around improving the energy efficiency of its networks as it works towards becoming a net zero business by 2031. The self-powering mobile site is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint while maintaining high-quality connectivity for customers. By utilizing renewable energy at more mobile sites, BT Group can meet its sustainability objectives while continuing to expand its 5G coverage.

BT Groupโ€™s Role in Leading UK Telecommunications Innovation

BT Group is the UKโ€™s leading provider of fixed and mobile telecommunications services, offering secure digital products and services to consumers, businesses, and public sector organizations. The company operates across 180 countries and is committed to delivering innovative solutions in telecommunications, network infrastructure, and security. BT Group consists of three key customer-facing divisions: Consumer, Business, and Openreach, which provides wholesale fixed access services to over 700 UK communication providers.

For more information on BT Groupโ€™s services and initiatives, visit BT Group.


Recent Content

Web3 is redefining the telecom industry by introducing decentralized infrastructure, blockchain-based billing, smart contracts, NFTs, and digital identity. This article explores how telcos can evolve from connectivity providers to key players in Web3 ecosystemsโ€”offering programmable services, token economies, and secure, user-centric digital experiences.
As the telecom industry celebrates World Telecom Day 2025, the theme is clear: connectivity is not just infrastructureโ€”it is empowerment. It is what enables a student in a rural village to access world-class education, a farmer to monitor crops via smart sensors, or a doctor to conduct remote surgery with millisecond precision.
AT&T will acquire Lumenโ€™s consumer fiber business in a $5.75B deal to expand its broadband coverage to 60 million U.S. locations by 2030. The transaction gives AT&T access to 4M enabled locations, 1M subscribers, and new metro markets like Seattle and Phoenix. Meanwhile, Lumen refocuses on enterprise innovation and AI-first networking.
As 5G expands, reduced-capability (RedCap) and enhanced RedCap (eRedCap) IoT devices face pressure to transition from 4G. But adoption has lagged due to price and value challenges. This article explores why OEMs are holding back, the role of low-power DSP modem platforms like Cevaโ€™s, and how software-defined radio and flexibility are key to unlocking 5Gโ€™s potential in high-volume, low-bandwidth IoT applications.
Verizon joins the Buffalo Bills as a Founding Partner of Highmark Stadium, bringing 5G connectivity, sustainability-focused services, and smart venue technology to the teamโ€™s new home in Orchard Park. The partnership includes ownership of the DAS system, advanced operational tools, AR fan features, and exclusive Verizon customer activationsโ€”setting a new benchmark for connected sports venues by 2026.
Whitepaper
Telecom networks are facing unprecedented complexity with 5G, IoT, and cloud services. Traditional service assurance methods are becoming obsolete, making AI-driven, real-time analytics essential for competitive advantage. This independent industry whitepaper explores how DPUs, GPUs, and Generative AI (GenAI) are enabling predictive automation, reducing operational costs, and improving service quality....
Whitepaper
Explore the collaboration between Purdue Research Foundation, Purdue University, Ericsson, and Saab at the Aviation Innovation Hub. Discover how private 5G networks, real-time analytics, and sustainable innovations are shaping the "Airport of the Future" for a smarter, safer, and greener aviation industry....
Article & Insights
This article explores the deployment of 5G NR Transparent Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs), detailing the architecture's advantages and challenges. It highlights how this "bent-pipe" NTN approach integrates ground-based gNodeB components with NGSO satellite constellations to expand global connectivity. Key challenges like moving beam management, interference mitigation, and latency are discussed, underscoring...

Download Magazine

With Subscription

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Scroll to Top