Liberty Global and ATX Networks Launch Strategic Trial to Advance Europe’s Sustainable Energy Future
ATX Networks, a recognized leader in intelligent broadband access and innovative energy solutions, has been selected by Liberty Global to participate in a strategic energy trial aimed at transforming backup power infrastructure across Europe. This initiative marks a critical milestone in Liberty Global’s ongoing efforts to enhance sustainability, reduce operational costs, and strengthen the resilience of its networks across multiple European markets.
As Europe accelerates its drive toward decarbonization and gradually phases out diesel-based power generation, Liberty Global is taking proactive measures to align its operations with the region’s ambitious environmental targets. By partnering with ATX Networks, Liberty Global aims to pilot next-generation energy storage technology through ATX’s Areca™ Hybrid Supercapacitors, exploring how intelligent energy solutions can deliver both economic and environmental benefits.
Driving Smarter Energy Management Through Innovation
“Energy innovation is no longer optional — it’s a strategic imperative,” said Henk Coetzee, Director of M&E Architecture at Liberty Global. “By trialing ATX’s Areca Hybrid Supercapacitors, we are testing smarter ways to power our networks while advancing Europe’s sustainability agenda. This initiative allows us to simultaneously improve reliability, reduce carbon emissions, and explore new energy management models.”
At the core of this collaboration is ATX’s Areca Hybrid Supercapacitor technology, designed to complement or replace traditional lead-acid batteries in backup power systems. Unlike conventional solutions, these supercapacitors offer rapid charge and discharge capabilities, extended lifecycles, and minimal maintenance requirements. This makes them particularly well-suited for dynamic energy environments where reliability and flexibility are paramount.
Peak Shaving: Optimizing Costs and Reducing Grid Pressure
One of the primary objectives of the trial is to leverage peak shaving strategies. In markets such as the United Kingdom, Liberty Global has observed significant energy price differentials between peak and off-peak periods, with fluctuations reaching as high as 55 GBX. By integrating ATX’s hybrid supercapacitors, Liberty Global can participate in peak shaving programs, discharging stored energy during periods of high demand to reduce grid consumption and operational costs.
Peak shaving not only reduces expenses but also provides opportunities to generate additional revenue through demand response programs, where operators are incentivized for reducing consumption during peak periods. ATX’s Areca Hybrid Supercapacitors, with their rapid discharge capability and high efficiency, make these programs feasible without compromising network reliability.
Transitioning Away from Diesel Generators
Another critical focus of the partnership is the gradual elimination of diesel backup generators. Diesel generators, long relied upon for telecom backup power, are costly, noisy, and environmentally burdensome. Liberty Global’s adoption of ATX energy storage solutions provides a cleaner and more sustainable alternative.
ATX’s hybrid supercapacitors extend the runtime of backup power systems, reduce maintenance cycles, and minimize environmental impact. The trial enables Liberty Global to evaluate these systems as a scalable solution for replacing legacy lead-acid batteries and diesel generators, creating a path toward fully decarbonized network operations. By eliminating diesel dependency, Liberty Global also reduces its carbon footprint, contributes to local air quality improvements, and aligns with the European Union’s broader energy transition initiatives.
A Collaborative Vision for Resilient Networks
The Liberty Global–ATX collaboration underscores a shared vision of building resilient, low-carbon networks across Europe. Both organizations recognize that reliable telecommunications infrastructure is critical not only for business operations but also for supporting smart grids and emerging energy applications.
Julie Davis, Vice President of Sales, Energy Storage at ATX Networks, emphasized the strategic nature of the partnership: “Liberty Global is leading the way in rethinking how telecom networks consume and store energy. We are proud to be their technology partner, providing solutions that deliver both financial and environmental returns. Together, we are demonstrating that sustainable energy solutions can be practical, scalable, and economically viable.”
Proven Technology for the Modern Energy Landscape
ATX’s Areca Hybrid Supercapacitors are already powering change in various sectors, offering advantages over traditional energy storage technologies. Designed for exceptional performance, they combine high charge/discharge rates with long operational lifespans, enabling operators to implement intelligent energy strategies with confidence.
The technology is particularly effective for:
- Peak Shaving and Load Management: Reducing grid draw during periods of high energy demand.
- Grid Augmentation: Supporting local energy distribution by balancing loads and mitigating stress on the network.
- Backup Power Optimization: Enhancing reliability while extending the life of primary batteries.
These capabilities allow Liberty Global to rethink how energy is delivered to its networks, creating opportunities for more efficient, flexible, and sustainable power management. The supercapacitors’ low maintenance requirements and long life cycle also help reduce total cost of ownership, making the solution economically compelling.
Environmental and Economic Impact
The trial is designed to quantify both environmental and economic benefits. From an environmental perspective, the reduction of diesel use and reliance on lead-acid batteries contributes directly to carbon emission reduction, aligns with EU decarbonization targets, and promotes quieter, cleaner network operations. From an economic standpoint, energy cost savings, peak shaving revenue, and lower maintenance expenditures enhance the financial efficiency of Liberty Global’s operations.
By integrating ATX’s intelligent energy systems, Liberty Global is also laying the groundwork for new business models in energy management. For instance, energy storage could eventually be aggregated across multiple sites to participate in broader grid services, such as frequency regulation or demand response markets, generating additional revenue streams while supporting grid stability.
A Blueprint for Future Telecom Infrastructure
This strategic trial between Liberty Global and ATX Networks represents more than just a pilot program; it is a blueprint for the next generation of telecom infrastructure. By combining advanced energy storage technology with intelligent network management, operators can achieve a trifecta of benefits: sustainability, cost efficiency, and operational resilience.
Both companies are committed to sharing insights gained from the trial with industry stakeholders, helping accelerate the adoption of sustainable energy solutions across Europe. As telecom operators face increasing energy costs, regulatory pressure, and environmental expectations, such collaborations are essential to shaping a greener and more reliable network ecosystem.
As the trial progresses, Liberty Global plans to assess the performance of ATX’s Areca Hybrid Supercapacitors across multiple sites and operational scenarios. Data collected will inform decisions about scaling the technology across the company’s European network and integrating it into broader energy management strategies.
ATX Networks, for its part, continues to innovate in energy storage solutions, leveraging its expertise in supercapacitor technology and intelligent energy systems. The company remains focused on delivering products that are not only environmentally sustainable but also economically practical, helping operators achieve measurable savings and improved energy efficiency.
In conclusion, the partnership between Liberty Global and ATX Networks exemplifies how forward-thinking companies can drive meaningful change in the energy landscape. By combining cutting-edge technology, strategic foresight, and a commitment to sustainability, the two organizations are setting new standards for telecom network power management, demonstrating that a greener, more resilient future is both achievable and economically viable.
This initiative is a tangible step toward Europe’s broader energy transition, reinforcing the role of innovative energy solutions in creating smarter, cleaner, and more reliable infrastructure for the next generation of telecommunications.
