A second additional problem is the theft of diesel in remote locations, which is prized as a commodity on the black market. According to Towe, the diesel loss rate is about 25% to 40% annually, depending on the telcos you talk to.
This problem is solved with IdaTech’s fuel cell, as it uses a proprietary menthanol-water fuel mix instead of diesel and is useless to would-be thieves.
Both IdaTech and Cascadiant have piloted projects in the region, like with mobile operator Hutchison in Indonesia in April this year.
Athough Cascadiant is just three months old, Towe is quietly confident. “We’re commercially viable and don’t need government subsidies, unlike other green companies.”