P21 and O2 form a successful collaboration for reliable telecommunication

O2 implements P21’s fuel cell systems in Germany to back up their network at lower cost and enhanced environmental benefit.

P21 GmbH, is a manufacturer of fuel cell systems to provide backup power for the mobile communications industry. Units manufactured by P21 have undergone field tests since 2004, allowing for continued functionality of mobile networks during power outages and voltage fluctuations.

The rise in energy prices in recent years has resulted in an increased interest in solutions to assure the reliable and cost-efficient supply of backup power for telecommunications. It is claimed fuel cell systems from P21 can satisfy the demands for today’s and tomorrow’s telecommunications networks and they are environmentally friendly.

P21 has already equipped seven mobile base stations with the Premion T fuel cell system for the telecommunications services provider O2 Germany (a subsidiary of Telefónica). More such stations are scheduled to be added.

It has been reported that P21 systems are being integrated into the planning phase at O2, replacing previously used, conventional, lead batteries. This is one of several measures that O2 is pursuing in order to achieve its environmental goals.

P21’s CEO Dieter Brächtken claims their solutions reduce overall operating expenses, especially by doing away with the air conditioning systems that are needed to keep batteries cool. Furthermore, the long lifespan of fuel cells, their high reliability, and the minimal labour required to maintain them were among the reasons that prompted O2 to decide in favor of P21’s systems, Brächtken explains.

Source: Fuel Cell Today