Ethio Telecom, Italy’s Ascot Energy talk green power

Gaetano Fasciana, CEO of Ascot Energy, and Frehiwot Tamru, CEO of Ethio Telecom.
Gaetano Fasciana, CEO of Ascot Energy, and Frehiwot Tamru, CEO of Ethio Telecom.

Ethio Telecom is set to bolster its green energy credentials following discussions between CEO Frehiwot Tamru and a delegation from Italy’s Ascot Energy.

The discussions, led by Gaetano Fasciana, chief technology officer of Ascot Energy, focused on integrating advanced renewable energy technologies across Ethiopia’s national infrastructure. 

The move supports the company’s Next Horizon: digital & Beyond 2028 strategy, which aims to balance rapid 4G and 5G expansion with climate-resilient power solutions, said the telco.

Ongoing expansion requires a robust power backbone capable of ensuring uninterrupted network operations across Ethiopia’s diverse geographic landscapes, including remote and underserved areas, Tamru said. 

She noted that the telecommunications sector is inherently energy-intensive, requiring efficient alternatives as the company expands its data centre footprint.

The proposed collaboration features Ascot Energy’s hybrid power systems, which use Internet of Things enabled monitoring to maximise fuel efficiency and extend battery lifespans. 

These "plug & play" DC-Hybrid Power Units are designed to reduce operational costs while ensuring service continuity in regions without access to the commercial grid.

Prioritising energy efficiency is a key driver of operational excellence, helping the firm sustain affordable digital services while contributing to decarbonisation, said Tamru.

The Ascot Energy team praised the transformative impact of the telebirr ecosystem on Ethiopia’s digital economy. 

The meeting concluded with an agreement to establish a joint technical working team to align Ascot’s technical framework with Ethio Telecom’s specific infrastructure requirements, including the 75 off-grid sites recently commissioned under its latest expansion deals.

Both organisations are now expected to explore innovative financing mechanisms to accelerate the deployment of these sustainable power solutions nationwide.

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