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

Southern Electric Traction Group restores historic commuter train No. 3417 ‘Gordon Pettitt’ with cutting-edge retrofit battery technology from NXTGENbps and High Viz Media Group

In a collaboration between Southern Electric Traction Group (SETG), High Viz Media Group Ltd, and NXTGENbps, the historic 1960s commuter train No. 3417, named ‘Gordon Pettitt’, is set to return to service on the prestigious Bluebell Railway, now equipped with state-of-the-art sustainable battery technology. As part of a broader and ongoing restoration effort, the train has been fully restored to operational condition, with NXTGENbps’s ‘Goat’ Lithium-Iron-Phosphate battery system retrofitted to power the train’s full lighting system—without the need for structural modifications—preserving its original integrity. 

Founded by Chris Buckland, Steve Upton and Gwil Jones, the SETG took on the task of restoring the four-coach commuter train, once a staple of Southern England’s rail network. After being sold by South West Trains to the Bluebell Railway for just £1, the train was entrusted to SETG to ensure its preservation as part of Britain’s rail heritage. 

A key challenge in the restoration was maintaining lighting when the train is off the mainline, where it typically relies on third rail power. Nick Collier, Managing Director of High Viz Media Group, looked to NXTGENbps for an innovative solution: a modern sustainable battery system that could be retrofitted without altering the train’s structure. The NXTGENbps Goat portable power system provides the energy for the train’s lighting, enhancing the passenger experience while ensuring full operational functionality—a crucial advancement in heritage railway preservation. 

The battery retrofit was completed in just five weeks, involving the integration of modern technology into the train’s existing electrical system. “We’ve taken a 55-year-old train and integrated cutting-edge technology without compromising its historical integrity,” said Steve Upton of SETG. The team carefully adapted the Goat battery system to work with the train’s infrastructure, powering fluorescent lights throughout the train. This retrofit ensures compliance with safety regulations, particularly when travelling through tunnels or operating in low-light conditions. 

Nick Collier emphasised the importance of maintaining the original design of the train. “Installing permanent modern batteries would have been both expensive and invasive, compromising the train’s structure. The Goat system, however, is fully removable, offering a flexible, scalable solution that integrates seamlessly into the existing framework.” 

No. 3417 ‘Gordon Pettitt’ is scheduled to return to service on the Bluebell Railway, operating between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead. For the first time in over 13 years, the restored train will carry passengers once again. The retrofitting project has already garnered considerable attention from railway enthusiasts and industry professionals alike, especially for its innovative and non-invasive approach. 

Chris Buckland from SETG highlighted the broader potential of this technology for other heritage railways. “The ability to retrofit modern battery systems without significant structural changes is a major breakthrough. This solution could be applied to other heritage trains facing similar challenges.” 

Looking ahead, SETG, High Viz Media Group, and NXTGENbps are exploring wider applications for the Goat battery technology across other preserved railway vehicles. This retrofit approach offers immense potential for rolling stock that requires a reliable, sustainable power source, all while preserving the integrity of historic trains. This collaboration exemplifies how modern technology can be successfully integrated into heritage preservation, ensuring the continued operation of these iconic trains for years to come. 

TVB Europe: Sustaining the OB market in a greener way

We’re thrilled to be featured in the March issue of TVB Europe, showcasing our commitment to pioneering sustainability in outside broadcasts (OBs). At NXTGENbps, we’re leading the charge towards a greener future for the television industry. Partnering with industry leaders like ITV Studios and Plimsoll Productions, we’ve deployed our innovative battery-powered solutions on projects such as Ainsley’s National Trust Cook Off. This collaboration not only reduced carbon footprints but also created quieter and safer working environments, demonstrating the impact of our commitment to greener practices.

Additionally, the article underscores our unwavering dedication to sustainability, particularly through our recent partnership with Green Kit. By offering LED lighting powered by eco-friendly solutions, together we’re reshaping the landscape of OBs.

Read the full article here >

To find out more about our zero emission, silent, green batteries, please get in touch with our helpful team!

NXTGENbps: The Definition Guide to… Batteries!

NXTGENbps, represented by Lesley Marr, Director of Sustainability, has contributed to the Definition Guide to… Batteries, delving into the latest battery technology advancements and their impact on filmmaking practices. The guide explores how recent innovations have led to smaller, more efficient batteries with enhanced energy density, presenting promising opportunities for reducing pollution and streamlining production processes. 

The Q&A also extends to emerging technologies, such as sodium batteries and hydrogen solutions, poised to shape the future of battery technology in filmmaking. NXTGENbps has shared crucial insights into customer considerations, safety measures, and regulatory compliance, which are all vital aspects of incorporating these cutting-edge power solutions into the film industry. 

This guide also provides a glimpse into the transformative potential of battery technology in the world of filmmaking. For a deeper dive into these developments and their implications, read the full guide linked below. 

Read the full guide here >

NXTGENbps offers up a zero emissions power menagerie

NXTGENbps, a pioneer in sustainable power solutions, is making headlines for its innovative zero-emissions generators featured in a recent interview with The Flint, the global news and events hub for media industry sustainability.

With a compelling range of lithium-ion battery-based units, including The Meerkat, The Goat, and The Bear, NXTGENbps is on a mission to make production power in the film, TV, construction, and entertainment industries more sustainable.

Founder John O’Reilly, aka “Jono,” spoke to Neal Romanek Founding Editor of The Flint about the importance of decarbonising power and the superiority of battery-based solutions over traditional alternatives like diesel generators and hydrogen power.

Battery power is the cleanest and the best way forward for the industry. We do have HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) but the problem is that the top-grade oil is still 50% palm oil, and the sustainability is not so good there. And then actually driving back and forth between locations with a truck to refill the generators is not sustainable.

Jono

The NXTGENbps battery powered solutions not only reduce carbon footprint but also offer expandability and unique features like USB charging and EV compatibility. NXTGENbps is leading the way in sustainable production solutions, with products like The Owl providing essential monitoring capabilities for efficient power usage. As the industry shifts towards sustainability, NXTGENbps offers a promising path to a greener future.

Read the full article here >