Data-Driven Modeling for Power Consumption of Cellular Stations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Studies show that 2–3% of global energy consumption is attributed to information and communication technology (ICT), contributing around 3% of carbon dioxide emissions. Wireless operators face the challenge of reducing emissions and operational costs while meeting growing ICT demand, particularly in cities and off-grid areas. This work proposes models for calculating base station power consumption, based on the aggregation of energy consumed by the main components of the base station, as well as the energy lost during operations. The study considers user behaviour in Saudi Arabia, insights from the Communications and Space Technology Commission (CST), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). In this work, we analyse the impact of user behaviour, coverage needs, and network generations on energy use. Additionally, energy usage patterns are studied across 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks, aligning usage with actual coverage demands to optimize energy for communication services. Using simulation software to determine panel, battery, and inverter types, system size variations were evaluated based on grid load distribution, giving designers insight into optimizing system capacity based on available space and energy needs.