Hydrogen a key element for more resilient mobile sites

If hit by a major power outage, today’s mobile sites can keep operating for another four hours. Now, a breakthrough pilot by Telia and the Swedish Post & Telecom Authority is using hydrogen to help extend this to a remarkable 110 days.

Trials at a Telia site outside Stockholm, Sweden, have shown that combining hydrogen, fuel cells, solar cells and batteries can dramatically lengthen the site ’ s operating time when running on backup power. Today, mobile sites use only batteries and diesel generators as secondary power supplies.

The project represents the first time that this combination of energy sources has been tested for a mobile site. The setup is even more unique because the hydrogen used can be produced on-site using renewable energy, and then stored locally until required.

Today’s mobile users, businesses and defense all rely on constant coverage. Reducing site dependence on the electricity grid, and strengthening backup power capabilities, is therefore a key step in boosting both availability and resilience.

Staffan Åkesson, Head of Infrastructure at Telia Sweden: “The demand for connectivity, along with the current geopolitical situation, mean mobile sites must be available even during longer power outages. We’re very pleased with the insights this project has already given us. They can be decisive in developing robust, sustainable solutions that help meet today’s challenges while future-proofing our infrastructure.”

The Roslagen project is financed by the Swedish Post & Telecom Authority and is planned to conclude in December 2025. Alongside Telia, the industry partners involved include Euromekanik, Powercell, Polarium and Soltech.

Hydrogen is becoming an increasingly vital component in the transition to a net-zero society, with the EU aiming to cover around 10% of its energy needs through renewable hydrogen by 2050.

By 2040, Telia is targeting net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its entire value chain.