October Newsletter

NXTGENbps Round Up

News

NXTGENbps provides sustainable solutions to Get Set Hire inventory

We’re thrilled to see our Goat and InstaGrid ONE Max battery power solutions as part of the Get Set Hire inventory. Get Set Hire makes it easy for productions to access everything they need, and we’re proud to offer green energy choices to support them on their sustainability journey!  Where you can hire >

A challenging ride with NXTGENbps 

NXTGENbps proudly sponsored a team of determined cyclists, including our own Lesley Marr, on a 350-mile adventure through Northern Corsica this month. Over six days, the group faced towering climbs, covering 7,380 metres of elevation in their journey. At NXTGENbps, we’re proud to continue backing adventures that reflect our zero-emission goals and dedication to a greener future. Read more > 

NXTGENbps contributes to The Fuel Project 

As part of The Fuel Project research by Film London, NXTGENbps offered insights into how battery technology can replace diesel generators on film and TV sets, reducing emissions and supporting greener production. The research highlighted the need for decarbonisation in the industry and how it needs to happen. Read more > 

Lesley Marr on transitioning to battery technology for a sustainable Future

NXTGENbps’ Lesley Marr shares her insights on the entertainment industry’s gradual shift to battery power. She discusses why adopting sustainable energy in production is critical, yet challenging, and highlights the long-term benefits of embracing battery technology. Read more > 

Product Highlights

Instagrid ONE Max Portable Power Station 

NXTGENbps’ Instagrid ONE Max Portable Power Station (901-00004) is a portable battery power supply designed for professional use in tough, off-grid environments. Delivering 2.1kW of continuous power, it’s compact yet robust, providing a reliable energy source without emissions or noise. It is easy to use and ideal for on-location work, from film and TV sets to construction sites. Built to withstand challenging conditions, it offers clean power wherever you need it. Find out more > 

NXTGENbps and The Fuel Project: Powering a Sustainable Shift in Film and TV Production

We are proud to have been a part of The Fuel Project, an important research initiative led by Film London and Creative Zero, focused on decarbonising transport and mobile power within the film and television industry. The study highlighted the significant carbon footprint associated with mobile power units (MPUs), which are widely used on film and TV sets.

NXTGENbps provided insights into how portable battery technology can replace traditional diesel-powered generators and demonstrated that battery-powered solutions are both practical and already in use on some production sets, reducing their emissions while maintaining operational efficiency. 

The study’s findings showed that the film and TV industry can achieve an 80% reduction in MPU emissions by 2030 by doubling the number of battery MPUs in use, with a complete shift possible by 2036. These results present the opportunity for productions to adopt solutions now for a low-carbon future.

Why Sustainable Power Matters

The environmental impact of energy consumption in global production has become a key issue, and with diesel-powered mobile units being among the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions on set, it is critical that film and TV productions transition to greener energy sources.

Batteries offer a sustainable alternative, reducing both carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. However, widespread adoption is needed across the sector, supported by strategic investment in infrastructure and technology.

Making the Transition Happen

To meet decarbonisation goals, productions, suppliers, and stakeholders all need to integrate low-carbon solutions like battery-powered MPUs into their operations. The Fuel Project emphasises that the time for change is now, with every investment in cleaner power sources contributing to long-term savings, greater sustainability, and a stronger production landscape.

NXTGENbps is at the forefront of change, providing innovative battery solutions like the Goat, Fox and Meerkat, which are already being used to support sustainable, off-grid power on productions across the UK. Their silent operations and lack of fumes offer practical as well as sustainable benefits to production sets, providing a cleaner, quieter, and more dependable alternative to diesel generators. The Goat is the leading portable 5kW battery, known for its noiseless running, zero emissions and the flexibility to charge it via electric vehicle charger, mains or solar.

At NXTGENbps, our commitment to sustainability extends beyond providing battery solutions. We aim to support a future where film and TV production can succeed without environmental harm. Our involvement in The Fuel Project highlights the role that battery technologies can play in reducing emissions and supporting industry-wide decarbonisation. By shifting to low-carbon technologies, the film and TV industry can meet its sustainability targets while continuing to produce the content that audiences enjoy.

Learn more about The Fuel Project: https://filmlondon.org.uk/latest/film-london-and-creative-zero-launch-new-report-informing-steps-toward-industry-wide-decarbonisation

Powering Productions: Transitioning to Battery Technology for a Sustainable Future

The entertainment industry has successfully navigated several major technological shifts over the years, such as moving from Standard Definition (SD) to High Definition (HD) and transitioning from tape-based workflows to digital files. Both of which have been key milestones in my 30-year career working in film and TV. These changes, although challenging, were embraced because they promised a better end user experience with increased content flexibility and operational efficiency. So, why is the shift to battery power taking so long? 

The key difference lies in what drives the change. Previous transitions, like the switch to HD and digital files, were all about improving the viewing experience for consumers – better picture quality and faster content delivery. In contrast, the shift to battery power doesn’t directly enhance the consumer’s viewing experience. Whether powered by diesel or batteries, the content remains the same to them. However, today’s consumers are increasingly concerned about environmental impacts, making the transition to sustainable power sources equally important. 

Transitioning to batteries presents challenges, but it also offers opportunities for innovation and improvement. Classic change management issues such as confidence, knowledge, and understanding of new workflows are part of the learning curve. Existing structures and job roles on set are evolving, and with them, the industry’s capacity to adapt to new technologies. 

One challenge is the preference for hiring generators rather than owning them. Which means that hire companies need to invest in upgrading their diesel fleets to battery alternatives.

While this transition involves initial investment, it also provides an opportunity for long-term sustainability and market relevance. By planning carefully and embracing this shift, hire companies can avoid being left with obsolete assets and insufficient battery supplies, ensuring they are ready to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions. 

There is a strong and growing push for sustainable practices from broadcasters, streamers, and productions. Their efforts are beginning to positively influence the broader supply chain. Productions are starting to see the reliability and sufficiency of batteries, especially when supported by hybrid solutions that combine batteries and diesel or HVO fueled backups. These hybrid solutions offer a practical and effective transition path, ensuring that productions can maintain their operational efficiency while moving towards sustainability. 

Government incentives and support for battery use are also areas ripe for improvement. Clarifying regulatory requirements can help dispel misconceptions that deter adoption. In reality, the regulatory considerations for battery use are no more stringent than those for any power source on set, and standard training such as BS7909 remains applicable. 

Adopting battery power requires some operational changes but doesn’t impact the creative vision of a production. Planning for charging needs and integrating batteries into workflows are new steps that teams must embrace. Batteries offer several advantages, such as shorter cable runs and due to their silent operation, allowing them to be placed closer to the action. They also provide intelligent live reporting and telemetry data, informing power needs for future projects. The transition to battery power is further supported by sustainability consultants and industry champions who provide the necessary expertise and guidance to implement these new ways of working. With their help, the move towards battery power is both feasible and advantageous. 

As the industry continues to evolve, the push towards sustainability will grow stronger. The transition to battery power is not just a technical change but a shift in mindset and practices. With a concerted effort from all stakeholders, from hire companies to production crews, the industry can significantly reduce its carbon footprint and pave the way for a more sustainable future in media production.  

What are we waiting for? 


Lesley Marr, Director of Sustainability and Business Development, NXTGENbps

Cycling the Peaks of Corsica: NXTGENbps Supports an Epic 2024 Adventure

NXTGENbps was proud to sponsor an incredible group of cyclists, including our own Director of Sustainability, Lesley Marr, on a challenging journey through Northern Corsica. This year, the team took on the task of riding 350 miles with 7,380 metres of climbing over six days—a complete loop of Northern Corsica. Averaging around 60 miles per day, the distance itself wasn’t overwhelming, but when combined with the mountain climbs, it became a real challenge.

Corsica is composed of two departments: ‘Corse du Sud’ in the south and ‘Haute Corse’ in the north. Bastia is the capital of the northern region—a small yet vibrant city with a bustling port and picturesque harbour.

The ride began in Bastia, taking an anti-clockwise route along the coastline until reaching Porto on the east coast. From there, the group headed inland, travelling through forests and over Corsica’s highest mountain pass, which is also the highest paved road on the island. Along the way, they encountered many wild pigs, goats, and cattle. However, the highlight was the stunning and contrasting scenery that Corsica has to offer at every turn.

Next year, the team plans to take on the Wild Atlantic Way—a 600-mile route along the west coast of Ireland. Supporting this inspiring group aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainable initiatives and green energy solutions. At NXTGENbps, we’re excited to continue backing adventures that reflect our zero-emission goals and dedication to a greener future.