Helios Towers PLC (LSE:HTWS) has set a target to reduce carbon intensity per tenant by 46% by 2030 and will invest US$100mln between 2022 and 2030 to increase its use of renewable energy solutions.
The mobile telecoms infrastructure company, which operates in Africa and the Middle East, said in a statement that its long-term ambition is to become a net zero carbon emissions business by 2040.
The FTSE 250 company said it aims to maintain absolute emissions at 2020 levels despite expectations for significant expansion of its telecommunications coverage over the coming years.
Enhancing mobile infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa, where mobile subscriber penetration is still below 50%, is challenging as access to electricity is limited, unreliable and sometimes non-existent, Helios Towers said.
To achieve its 2030 target, it will combine actionable investments and innovation to reduce its reliance on generators and use more efficient, greener solutions.
"Reducing our carbon footprint is a challenge we take incredibly seriously,” said Helios Towers chief executive Kash Pandya. “Over the past five years, we have built a strong team focused on delivering reliable mobile infrastructure across our markets while reducing our dependency on generators. This has been achieved by becoming more efficient, connecting sites to the grid, and using renewable solutions, for example hybrid battery and solar installations.
“Now, we are taking this work further by setting specific carbon intensity targets, developing a roadmap towards net zero emissions, and investing in our markets for a more sustainable future."