Councils play a pivotal role in ensuring the continuity of essential services in disaster-prone areas, and there are a range of solutions they can rely on to ensure communities remain connected in the worst of circumstances.
As climate change and environmental challenges increase the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, it is crucial that councils invest in innovative solutions that safeguard critical infrastructure.
Of particular importance are telecommunication networks. NBN operates hundreds of fixed wireless sites across Australia, utilising telecommunications transmission towers to provide broadband and telephony access via radio signals to communities. These sites are primarily established in regional and remote areas where constructing typical NBN fibre infrastructure is challenging due to geographical constraints. Many of these sites are in disaster-prone areas, susceptible to bushfires and floods.
When a bushfire or flood disrupts power to a fixed wireless site, it results in a sudden loss of communication for everyone relying on that network. This loss is particularly critical for residents and emergency services personnel who depend on timely updates and communication during crises.
Decon Corporation, with its expertise in renewable energy technologies and commitment to enhancing disaster resilience, offers transformative solutions such as the Smart Power Cell (SPC). These advanced, off-grid power systems not only ensure uninterrupted telecommunications during emergencies, but also contribute to sustainable energy practices.
Decon, with partial funding from the Federal Government, has designed, manufactured, and deployed the SPC solution to 76 NBN fixed wireless sites across Australia. In the event of a natural disaster that wipes out the power infrastructure, the SPC ensures continuous power at the fixed wireless site, maintaining crucial communications for residents and emergency services. This solution also prevents NBN and local authorities from risking technicians’ lives by sending them to restore power in hazardous conditions.
Last year, Decon manufactured and deployed 33 SPCs across five local government authorities in Queensland. This $4.4 million venture, a collaboration between NBN and local municipalities, was funded through the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants program. The SPC units were installed to ensure internet connectivity during natural or other disasters.
The SPC is a transportable off-grid power solution that combines renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind turbines, and advanced sodium metal chloride (salt) batteries. Its versatile and resilient design ensures reliable and clean power delivery in remote or disaster-prone areas, enhancing disaster resilience and digital inclusion. In the event of a power outage or natural disaster, local communities and residents will have uninterrupted access to telecommunications, a critical factor in life-or-death situations.
Decon provides 24/7 remote monitoring for all SPC units nationwide. This monitoring system ensures real-time oversight and management, allowing for proactive maintenance and rapid response to any issues, enhancing the reliability and performance of the units.
Before the introduction of the SPC, remote sites were powered solely by diesel generators. The deployment of the SPC saves an equivalent of more than 25 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually per site, comparable to the emissions of over 5.7 Australian cars.
For the five local government authorities in Queensland, since their deployment last year, there have been a total of 674 hours of power outages across the region. Decon’s SPCs have provided continuous power to the telecommunications transmission towers during those times, particularly during the intense cyclonic storms caused by Category 3 Tropical Cyclone Kirrily in January 2024.
Decon’s SPC solutions demonstrate a significant advancement in disaster preparedness and resilience for telecommunications infrastructure. By ensuring continuous power supply through innovative renewable energy technologies and robust remote monitoring, Decon supports local councils and government authorities in their mission to maintain critical services during emergencies.
For more information, visit deconcorp.com.au
