EDOTCO Introduces a Biochar Telecommunication Pole to its Suite of Green Pole Solutions

• Said to reduce carbon emissions by 10-15% compared to standard concrete poles
• Replaces 2% to 5% of the cement typically used in traditional poles

EDOTCO Malaysia has introduced what it claims to be the country’s first telecommunication pole made with biochar, installed at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) in Sintok, Kedah. The launch of the new pole is part of the company’s efforts to offer more sustainable solutions in the telecommunications sector.

The biochar pole is reported to reduce carbon emissions by 10% to 15% compared to traditional concrete poles. Biochar is a material produced from organic waste like agricultural residues and wood chips through a process called pyrolysis. Using biochar in the poles helps capture and store carbon, and it replaces 2% to 5% of the cement typically used, which lowers carbon emissions from cement production. The project is a collaboration with manufacturing partner PMW Industries Sdn Bhd.

Azzahraa Annuar, Director of Governance, Risk & Compliance at EDOTCO, stated, “This innovation reflects how sustainability, engineering and partnership can shape the future of our nation’s telecommunication infrastructure. By integrating biochar technology into our suite of offerings, we are enabling our customers to pursue greener rollouts, reduce carbon emissions and support Malaysia’s broader ESG ambitions.”

Prof. Madya Dr. Mohamed Amran Mohd Salleh, President of the Biochar Malaysia Association, commented on the potential of the material. He said, “Malaysia has an abundance of biomass resources, and biochar offers a practical way to turn that into high-value, low-carbon solutions for multiple sectors. Pilots like this are important because they help build real performance data and demonstrate how biochar can complement existing construction practices.”