Globe Telecom Inc. continues to green its network by using eco-friendly batteries as backup power in critical communication sites for voice, data, and texts (Short Messaging Services).

The telco deployed Sodium Nickel batteries for its core network sites which house high-capacity communication platforms and facilities meant to reduce the need for frequent replacements.

To date, more than half of its core network sites are using sodium nickel batteries, with the rest to follow suit.

Over the years, Globe has deployed more than 8,500 green network solutions such as fuel cell systems, direct current (DC) Hybrid generators, free cooling systems, and lithium-ion batteries.

The deployment of these eco-friendly batteries support the company’s commitment to address operational greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impact of climate change.

In total, Globe has 14 key facilities, including its headquarters, running on 100 percent renewable energy via Power Purchase Agreements (PPA).

It is also piloting hybrid power alternative sources for cell towers in off-grid and bad-grid sites.

“We are progressively moving to eco-friendly batteries which employ the latest technology in backup power for our core network sites as opposed to fossil fuels," Yoly Crisanto, Globe’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer, reiterated.

"Their eco-friendly features also align with our commitment to climate action, one of which is to reduce our carbon emissions.”

Sodium nickel battery is 100 percent recyclable and has a lifespan of 20 years, double that of the standard Valve-Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) battery, which Globe previously deployed.

Sodium nickel batteries are also the safest among existing high-density batteries in terms of transport, storage, and operation.

They emit no gas and has zero risk of explosion even when exposed to fire since there is no acid in the components.

Furthermore, the batteries can operate continuously under a broad temperature range, eliminating the need for air conditioning and reducing costs.

They maintain optimum performance even when the temperature fluctuates.

In addition, they are also space-efficient, highly modular, and complements Globe’s existing green network solutions that use cleaner fuel with lower emissions, consume less diesel fuel and provide energy-efficient heat removal.

Globe supports science-based targets in limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

The telco is a participant in the Race to Zero UN-backed campaign to halve global emissions by 2030 and deliver a healthier, fairer zero-carbon world by 2050.

The latest initiative is part of Globe’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG No. 9, which fosters infrastructure and innovation as drivers of economic growth and development, and UN SDG No. 13, which seeks urgent action against climate change and its impact.