Redflow batteries to power South African mobile phone towers

Australian energy company Redflow is set to provide 68 ZBM2 zinc–bromine flow batteries for at least 20 South African mobile phone tower sites.

The sale comes after an African telecommunications company successfully tested the batteries in a proof-of-concept trial and expands on the 32 zinc–bromine flow batteries supplied for standby energy storage at remotely located mobile phone towers last year.

Starting this month, batteries will be deployed at diesel-powered mobile base stations, reducing diesel use, fuel delivery costs, carbon tax liabilities and generator servicing frequency, according to Redflow.

“[Mobile phone towers have] faced high operating costs through the use of diesel generators and three-year replacement cycles for lead–acid batteries — or more frequently if these batteries are stolen for their recycling value,” Redflow Managing Director and CEO Tim Harris explained.

Maris Van Wyk, Chief Operating Officer of Redflow partner Mobax, said his company is “confident that the ZBM2 battery, which weighs about 240 kg and has no secondary resale value, will be less prone to theft than conventional batteries”.

Van Wyk also believes the batteries will offer other benefits through their long operating life and temperature resilience.

Mobax will install and support the batteries under its field services agreement with the mobile phone company, with the help of Redflow distributor and solar integrator Specialized Solar Solutions.

Image: Redflow CEO Tim Harris with ZBM2 batteries, courtesy Redflow.