Propane fuel cell generators power off-grid microwave communication stations

New Enerday GmbH is providing an autonomous, off-grid energy solution for a U.S. telecommunications service provider in southeast Alaska.

New Enerday is a developer and manufacturer of fuel cell-based generators and systems for reliable off-grid power generation in telecommunications, industrial and remote infrastructure applications, operating since 2010.

Remote propane fuel cell generators supplied by New Enerday are now powering an off-grid microwave communication station for a U.S. telecommunications service provider at Point Baker, Alaska. The generators have been in continuous operation since Q4 2025, providing off-grid electricity generation under demanding environmental conditions.

The outdated, maintenance-intensive diesel generators, which used to provide the power supply to the remote telecommunications infrastructure, were replaced by New Enerday’s Remote propane fuel cell generators. By switching to propane fuel cell technology, the operator achieves lower maintenance requirements, reduced operational costs and significantly fewer emissions, according to the company.

At the core of the solution is New Enerday’s highly efficient solid oxide fuel cell technology, designed for reliable operation in harsh and remote environments. Combined with photovoltaics, New Enerday’s generators provide uninterrupted power supply with an autonomy period exceeding one year, minimizing the need for on-site service interventions and fuel logistics.

The propane fuel cell solution enables telecommunications providers to maintain critical network infrastructure in isolated locations while improving sustainability and operational efficiency. Its robust design ensures consistent performance even in challenging climatic conditions, making it particularly suitable for remote communication and industrial applications.

“With our Remote systems, we ensure reliable and sustainable off-grid power supply for mission-critical telecommunications infrastructure,” says Markus Muench, senior product manager at New Enerday. “Replacing diesel generators with fuel cell technology, preferably combined with photovoltaics, helps operators save time, reduce operating costs and lower emissions while ensuring maximum system availability. Using bioLPG to power our fuel cells enables near-carbon-neutral operation.”

The successful implementation at Point Baker highlights the growing role of propane fuel cell technology in enabling resilient and sustainable telecommunications networks worldwide.

This project is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy as part of the Renewable Energy Solutions Program of the German Energy Solutions Initiative, according to New Enerday.

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