In an effort to transition to more sustainable and environment-friendly solutions, Smart Communications will roll out fuel cell sites in challenged-grid areas nationwide starting Q2 2021 until the end of the year, announced the Operator recently.
As the wireless arm PLDT, Smart's shift to green energy follows the announcement of the Department of Energy in Q4 of 2020 that the Filipino government will no longer accept proposals to build new coal power plants.
These significant policy shifts help boost the deployment of cleaner energy sources, to help ensure more sustainable growth for the country.
Smart’s 2021 foray to green technology will be made possible through a partnership with Denmark-based renewable energy company SerEnergy. A world-leading developer and supplier of methanol-based fuel cell solutions, the company will install over 90 green cell sites for Smart in off- and bad-/challenged grid urban and rural locations.
In a fuel cell, hydrogen and oxygen are combined to generate electricity, heat, and water to produce electricity through an electrochemical reaction, instead of combustion. The system is based on methanol-powered fuel, which can be combined with solar, wind and other renewable resources to present a sustainable, cost-effective eco-system. Stationary fuel cells provide virtually emission-free power and do not produce particulate pollutants or unburned hydrocarbons. They emit less carbon dioxide than other technologies, and when using fuel generated from renewable sources such as biomass, fuel cells are completely carbon neutral.
Alfredo S. Panlilio, President and CEO, Smart Communications
As we face daunting challenges on how to protect our environment and promote more equitable social development, Smart’s cutting-edge technologies can play a significant role in rallying the right socio-environmental mindset and driving a greater sense of responsibility to the planet.
Mario G. Tamayo, PLDT and Smart SVP for Network Planning and Engineering
Smart’s transition to green energy places the company upfront as one of the pioneers in its industry, setting an important agenda in securing the environment through sustainable solutions.
