O2 implements P21’s fuel cell systems in the Federal Republic of Germany – and thus backs up its network at a lower cost and with greater ecological friendliness

Brunnthal-Munich--The P21 GmbH, with its headquarters in Brunnthal (near Munich) is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of fuel cell systems to provide backup power for the mobile communications industry. Units manufactured by P21 have proven themselves in numerous field tests since 2004. During power outages and voltage fluctuations, P21’s products assure the reliable, continued functioning of mobile networks owned by international operators.

The extreme increase in the cost of energy during the past few years has impelled the quest for new solutions to assure the reliable and cost-efficient supply of backup power for telecommunications, thus guaranteeing that mobile networks remain continually available for use by their customers. Fuel cell systems from P21 can satisfy the most exacting demands for today’s and tomorrow’s telecommunications networks. And P21’s systems are environmentally friendly.

P21 has already equipped seven mobile base stations with the Premion T fuel cell system for the telecommunications services provider O2 Germany (a subsidiary of Telefónica). More such stations are scheduled to be added.

Better and securer availability of the network, as well as lower costs through reduced energy consumption, are goals that O2 can achieve through its use of P21’s fuel cell systems.

“The installed facilities are newly erected mobile base stations,” says Franz Wilhelm, O2 Germany’s Director Civil Works & Real Estate Network Engineering. “Already in the planning phase, fuel cell systems completely replaced the previously used, conventional, lead batteries. This is one of several measures that O2 is pursuing in order to achieve its environmental goals.”

“We’re pleased that our products can help to assure reliable electrical power in Germany too,” says P21’s CEO Dieter Brächtken. “Not only do our solutions drastically reduce operating expenses, they also help save on energy expenditures. Especially by doing away with the air conditioning systems that are needed to keep batteries cool, a large percentage of the expenses can already be significantly reduced. Furthermore, the long lifespan of fuel cells, their high reliability, and the minimal labor required to maintain them were among the reasons that prompted O2 to decide in favor of P21’s systems,” Brächtken explains.

Franz Wilhelm adds, “The size, weight and low noise level of P21’s fuel cells make them ideal for use in base stations. Their integration into our network infrastructure took place entirely without problems.”

About P21

Headquartered in Brunnthal (near Munich), the P21 GmbH develops, produces and markets fuel cell systems to supply backup power for the mobile communications industry. P21 has successfully proven the capability of its technology in various field tests with international mobile network providers since 2004. With its patented hydrogen-powered PEM fuel cell systems, P21 is the leading supplier of backup systems for applications in the telecommunications field. Founded in 2001, P21 currently employs a staff of 50 people. The business concentrates exclusively on the telecommunications market because it has its roots and its greatest expertise in this field. P21 acquires partner businesses worldwide which have the relevant know-how to collaborate with P21 in the onsite marketing, installation and servicing of fuel cells.

About O2 Germany

O2 (Germany) GmbH & Co. OHG, a subsidiary of Telefónica O2 Europe plc and part of the Spanish telecommunications concern Telefónica S.A., offers its customers in Germany postpaid and prepaid mobile-telephony products, as well as innovative mobile data services on the basis of GPRS and UMTS technologies. Furthermore, as an integrated communications provider, the business also makes available DSL landline telephony and high-speed Internet. Telefónica O2 Europe plc has 42 million mobile and landline telephony customers in Great Britain, Ireland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Germany.