DOCOMO To Introduce 3D Printed Jet-Turbines for Irrigational Water-Powered Base Station of Mobile Communications N/w in Rural Areas

Base stations for mobile communications account for approximately 70% of the power consumed in Japan's NTT DOCOMO's operations in Japan. Hence, to use renewable energy such as hydropower in places where solar panels are not practical, NTT DOCOMO, INC. has launched Japan's first demonstration experiment of a self-powered hydropower cellular base station. The experiment began on May 30, 2024 and the company expect to start its implementation beginning in one year from now.

The experiment, which involves DOCOMO's hydroelectric power-generation system and a jet turbine developed by Professor Yukihiro Shimatani of the Prefectural University of Kumamoto, aims to prove the feasibility of a self-powered base station using water flowing in an irrigation canal, etc., as a sustainable, low-cost solution for mobile communication networks in rural areas.

The goal of this experiment is to demonstrate the feasibility of a self-powered base station using water flowing in an irrigation canal as a sustainable, low-cost solution for mobile communication networks, particularly in rural areas.

The jet turbine incorporates a nozzle that emits a stream of water, or "jet," to drive the turbine's rotation in the opposite direction and thereby generate electricity. While conventional hydroelectric systems use a separate nozzle and turbine, this device combines both components in a design so simple it can be manufactured with a 3D printer.

DOCOMO's Energy Management System (EMS) platform is being used to monitor and control the power driving the base station, as well as to visualize the amount of CO2 reduction achieved with this sustainable hydropower system. While DOCOMO's existing 286 green base stations mainly use solar power, this initiative aims to utilize renewable energy such as hydropower in locations where solar panels are not practical.

This experiment is a step towards DOCOMO's goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 2030 and across its entire supply chain by 2040³. It's a significant move towards the adoption of renewable energy and the realization of a sustainable, carbon-neutral world.

There are similar initiatives in other countries that focus on integrating renewable energy sources into communication networks and other infrastructures. While the specific details of self-powered hydropower base stations like DOCOMO's experiment may not be widely reported, there are broader efforts to use sustainable energy solutions globally.

Notably, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has discussed innovative operations of pumped hydropower storage (PHS) to provide greater flexibility to power sectors and integrate larger shares of variable renewable energy (VRE) into power systems. These initiatives often involve collaboration between technology developers, energy providers, and governments to create more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructures.

Additionally, telecom operators and technology companies worldwide are increasingly adopting green energy solutions, such as solar and wind power, to reduce their carbon footprint and ensure uninterrupted services in remote areas. These efforts are part of a global movement towards decarbonization and achieving net-zero emissions in various sectors, including mobile communications.

While the specific approach of using water from irrigation canals for powering base stations is unique to DOCOMO's experiment, the underlying principle of using renewable energy sources is a common thread in many international sustainability projects.

NTT DoCoMo Ventures Invests in now.gg, a next-generation cloud distribution platform for mobile games

Aimed at bringing mobile cloud technology to game developers and gamers, the investment is an affirmation of the two companies vision for mobile cloud

now.gg, Inc. announced that it has received an undisclosed amount of investment from NTT DoCoMo Ventures for their cloud-based mobile gaming distribution platform. The investment is aimed at bringing next-generation mobile cloud technology to game developers and gamers.

Launched in June 2021, now.gg is a mobile cloud gaming platform that makes it possible to convert Android based mobile games to cloud games by simply converting APK files to cloud versions, making them accessible on any browser. Cloud converted mobile games can then be accessed on any devices or any browser, free of cost, through unique game links. Gamers can play or share games without any need to install the Android game.

In little over a year, the distribution platform has amassed over 42 million users, with half the gamers playing for over 30mins per day, surpassing many cloud gaming benchmarks. Gamers from multiple devices like PC, Android, Mac and even console platforms are accessing now.gg distributed cloud games through built-in browsers.

now.gg's proprietary nowCloudOS cloud rendering technology enables game developers to publish their games to the cloud with minimal effort. It also enables reach for users who were previously unable to access games due to device limitations.

Much of today's entertainment, including games and other content, is provided in the form of apps. now.gg's mission is to provide users with a different app experience by providing mobile cloud technology. Even if the content of the app is further enhanced and the amount of data becomes enormous, it will be possible to enjoy it comfortably with a browser anytime, anywhere with now.gg's solution.

Since 2022, NTT DoCoMo has been providing a multi-device metaverse service that can be easily enjoyed on a browser. This investment was made in anticipation of synergies with the new user experience that is being worked on. Going forward, now.gg and NTT Group and DOCOMO will collaborate further to promote initiatives aimed at creating new value.

About now.gg

now.gg is the mobile cloud company changing the gaming experience for game developers and consumers. Being the world’s first cloud distribution platform for mobile games, now.gg empowers game developers to take their mobile and browser games to a wider audience by enabling instant game experience without downloading or installing any app.