Case Study: Vodafone New Zealand achieves reliable off‑grid broadband and cuts diesel use with Vertiv's Hybrid Energy Storage System

Vodafone - Customer Case Study

Vodafone New Zealand faced the challenge of delivering reliable broadband and mobile coverage to remote, off‑grid sites where running power cables is infeasible and diesel generators bring high fuel, transport and maintenance costs. To meet its Rural Broadband Initiative commitments (154 new towers and 387 upgrades reaching some 300,000 rural homes and businesses), Vodafone worked with Vertiv to trial off‑grid power solutions, deploying Vertiv’s Hybrid Energy Storage System (HESS) at a green cell site in Kauaeranga Valley.

Vertiv’s solution packages an IP55 outdoor enclosure with zinc‑bromine module (ZBM) 10 kW batteries, next‑generation rectifiers, solar and wind converters and SiteWeb remote monitoring so wind and solar are primary sources and the generator is backup. The Vertiv HESS reduced diesel run time and maintenance visits, enabled always‑on broadband for the community, and delivered measurable operational benefits (ZBM batteries tolerate up to 50°C, 100% depth‑of‑discharge; typical site production uses 6–12 kWh solar and 1–4 kWh wind), helping Vodafone lower costs and environmental impact while improving rural connectivity.

Vodafone