NXTGENbps brings portable, sustainable battery solutions to MPTS 2025

NXTGENbps will be showcasing its latest sustainable battery power solutions at this year’s Media Production & Technology Show (MPTS), appearing alongside parent company BPS (Broadcast and Production Services) on stand E55. 

With a growing demand for cleaner, more flexible power on set, NXTGENbps is supporting production teams as they move away from diesel and towards smarter energy systems. On display will be a full lineup of high-performance, zero-emission batteries – including the new high-capacity SHAPE Basecamp Emperor, designed for the fast pace of modern film, TV and live event environments. 

The Emperor, available exclusively in the UK and Ireland through NXTGENbps, will be a key focus at the show. Designed to support high-demand production environments, the Emperor delivers clean, silent power with a scalable output and multiple charging modes – including mains, EV, and solar. A new telemetrics app will also launch at MPTS, giving crews enhanced visibility and control of the unit in real time. 

“Adopting battery power is no longer just about cutting emissions – it’s about improving how productions work day to day,” said Lesley Marr, Director of Sustainability and Business Development at NXTGENbps. “With systems like the Emperor, crews gain cleaner energy, but also greater control, flexibility and reliability on set. It’s a smart shift that supports both sustainability goals and real production needs.” 

Visitors to stand E55 will be able to explore how NXTGENbps batteries are already being used across productions of all sizes, offering a practical, sustainable alternative to traditional generators, without compromising on performance. More at www.nxtgenbps.com

NXTGENbps Named Official Distributor of SHAPE Basecamp Battery for UK, Europe & Northern Ireland

Empowering the Industry with Sustainable, High-Performance Energy Solutions 

NXTGENbps, a leader in silent, zero-emission battery power solutions, has been appointed the official distributor of the SHAPE Power Station 15000 Basecamp across the UK, Europe, and Northern Ireland. Known as the SHAPE Basecamp Emperor at NXTGENbps, this high-performance battery system delivers best-in-class sustainable power for film, broadcast, and live event industries, providing a reliable, emissions-free alternative to traditional generators. 

The SHAPE Basecamp Emperor is engineered to meet the demanding power needs of production environments. With a 15.56kWh capacity and 15kW peak output, it ensures consistent, silent power without reliance on fossil fuels. Designed for versatility, it offers multiple charging options, including a standard mains connection, a high-power 30A input for a full charge in just three hours, and dual solar inputs supporting up to 15,000W of renewable energy. 

For productions requiring even greater capacity, the Basecamp Emperor features a dedicated backup battery that can be daisy-chained with up to 20 units, delivering a scalable power solution of up to 300kW.  

“Partnering with SHAPE to bring the Basecamp Emperor to the UK, Europe, and Northern Ireland further proves our commitment to providing the best sustainable power solutions,” said John O’Reilly, Managing Director at NXTGENbps. “This product is a game-changer for productions looking to reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing power and reliability.” 

The SHAPE Basecamp Emperor is now available through NXTGENbps. For more information, visit www.nxtgenbps.com. 

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. 

NXTGENbps Powers ITV Wales’ “Coast and Country” at WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre 

Overview 

When ITV Wales set out to film an episode of “Coast and Country” at the WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre, they faced a challenge: how to produce high-quality content while minimising their environmental impact. Determined to explore sustainable production methods, ITV Wales partnered with NXTGENbps to power the shoot using pure green energy. This collaboration not only aligned with their commitment to sustainability but also showcased how green energy can be seamlessly integrated into professional broadcasting. 

Challenge 

Filming in a remote location like the WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre naturally presents challenges. The shoot required reliable power in an area with limited access to traditional power sources, compounded by rugged terrain and heavy rainfall throughout the day. Additionally, as a wildlife and wetland centre, it was crucial to minimise disruption to the natural environment. These conditions could have posed significant obstacles, but the NXTGENbps Goat was more than up to the task. While there were initial reservations from the crew about whether battery power could meet the demands of all the broadcast equipment, especially given the high energy requirements typical of professional shoots, the Goat quickly dispelled these concerns. 

Solution: The NXTGENbps Goat 

The NXTGENbps Goat, a portable 5kW/4.8kWh power unit, was the ideal choice for this shoot. Built to withstand tough conditions, the Goat’s IP67 rating gave the crew complete confidence and ensured reliable operation despite the wet and challenging environment. Its compact and rugged design allowed it to perform flawlessly, even in the face of heavy rainfall and uneven terrain. 

  • Zero Emissions: The Goat operates with zero emissions, perfectly aligning with ITV Wales’ sustainability goals. 
  • Silent Operation: Silent operation was especially beneficial in the wetland setting, where minimising disruption to wildlife was a priority. By using a silent power source, the crew was able to capture high-quality footage without impacting the natural soundscape or disturbing the local wildlife, enhancing the overall production quality.
  • Reliability in Tough Conditions: The Goat’s rugged construction, coupled with its IP67 rating, meant it could withstand the challenging weather and terrain, delivering consistent power throughout the shoot. 
  • Efficiency: Despite powering two Aputure 1200 lights for four hours and the autocue system for 90 minutes, only 12% of the Goat’s battery capacity was used, indicating that it had ample reserve power to handle additional equipment. 

Environmental Benefits 

The collaboration between ITV Wales and NXTGENbps on the “Coast and Country” shoot delivered clear environmental benefits. By choosing the zero-emission Goat, ITV Wales significantly reduced the production’s carbon footprint. The silent operation of the unit was especially valuable in a sensitive location like the wetland, meaning there was minimal disruption to wildlife, preserving the natural environment. This project demonstrated that pure green energy can seamlessly power professional broadcasting while enhancing the quality of production and protecting the surroundings.  

“From ITV’s point of view our challenge was to broadcast our entire programme on location from the middle of a wetlands – but we needed safe power in this location that we could rely on. Conditions were very testing with torrential rain for most of the day – it was also impossible to drive a vehicle to location as we were working near walking paths. 

It was important to us from the planning stage that our power came from the cleanest possible source – considering the location we were in – we wanted to cause as little disruption as possible to the birds in the habitat – we had to be as quiet and clean as possible. Using a diesel generator would have been an absolute no go for us in this environment. Jono and Lesley were instrumental from the very first stage in helping us assess our power requirement – and how we could work practically and safely in this environment. They understood the needs of sustainable TV production – and in our case the type of budgets we had to work with.

It was a pleasure working with them from the start and I’d recommend the service and battery generators to anyone in any other part of ITV News or the wider ITV community.”

Nia Britton, Operations Manager ITV Cymru Wales

Product Specification 

The NXTGENbps Goat is designed to deliver portable electrical power up to 5kW/4.8kWh. The system features a built-in Pure Sine inverter, multiple power inputs (solar, DC, AC), and rapid charging capability via a Type 2 car charger.  

Key features include:  

  • 5kW/4.8kWh Lithium-Ion Battery: Reliable and expandable power supply.  
  • Solar Charging: Supports charging while in use.  
  • Silent Operation: Ideal for noise-sensitive environments. 
  • Zero Emissions: Supports carbon-neutral operations.  
  • Robust Design: Suitable for various conditions and locations.  
  • Fast Charging: Full charge in 45 minutes with a 7kW EV charger.  

The success of the NXTGENbps Goat during ITV Wales’ “Coast and Country” shoot underscores how reliable and efficient battery-powered solutions can be, even in challenging conditions. ITV Wales’ dedication to sustainability, paired with NXTGENbps’s innovative power solutions, shows what’s possible when the industry embraces greener practices.  

To find out more about our PURE GREEN ENERGY solutions, contact our friendly team.

NXTGENbps provides sustainable power to cover the motorsport of the future

Hampton, London, UK, 31 July 2024: NXTGENbps, a pioneer in battery power solutions and a champion of sustainable energy, worked with High Viz Media (Group) ltd to provide all the shooting power required to cover the 2024 Formula Student. This showcase of future engineering took place at the home of UK motorsport, Silverstone. 

Formula Student was established more than 25 years ago by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. To compete, teams of students have to build a fully-functional car which competes in a series of stringent tests. A panel of expert judges also evaluates the innovation in engineering, with heavy emphasis on sustainability, including electric power. The 2024 event attracted 180 teams, with more than a thousand students involved. 

The events of the Formula Student weekend were streamed live, including a marathon eight and a half hour broadcast on Saturday 20 July. Providing coverage was High Viz Media. Founder and MD Nick Collier said “Our brief was to provide high production values – but without the budget of a Formula 1 meet. 

“The event is very fast moving,” he explained. “These courses test the agility, endurance and speed of the cars – and they are very fast indeed. For us, it meant continually resetting to different locations to get the cameras where they were needed.” 

To simplify the continual re-rigging, High Viz Media elected to power all the cameras using the NXTGENbps Goat portable power unit. This is a practical but very powerful battery built into a rugged cart, making it simple to move to where you need it.  

The Goat provides 5 kw, with a basic capacity of 4.8 kWh expandable up to 139.2 kWh. It can be charged from any power source, including electric vehicle chargers and solar panels. The purpose-built inverter generates a pure sine wave to eliminate the risk to sensitive equipment.  

“It powered our multi-camera weekend on a single charge,” said Collier. “Even without the solar panels the Goat operated for two days without any significant degradation.” 

Collier also emphasised that taking power to the shoot meant there was no need to run power cables around the track, greatly simplifying the risk assessment and making the crew much more agile. The NXTGENbps solution allowed for safer and more flexible placement of power close to the broadcast equipment, enhancing overall efficiency without impacting the quality of the shoot. 

Lesley Marr, Director or Sustainability from NXTGENbps said “Seeing our flagship product used in an event like Formula Student demonstrates the real-world impact of our sustainable energy solutions. The Goat provided consistent and reliable power throughout the event, meeting all the demands of the High Viz Media team seamlessly and with minimal environmental impact.” 

For more on Formula Student see https://www.imeche.org/events/formula-student. For High Viz Media, go to https://www.highvizmedia.com 

You can also catch up on the action here: https://www.youtube.com/live/Z_vLouHKXmQ?si=yeO43ciXTiuC2h70

NXTGENbps Partners with Sustainable Film to Promote Greener Practices in Film and TV 

Hampton, London, UK, 25 July 2024: NXTGENbps, a pioneer in battery power solutions and a champion of sustainable energy, announces a new partnership with Sustainable Film, a leading consultancy in film and TV production sustainability. This collaboration marks a significant step towards driving the entertainment industry towards greener practices and reducing its environmental footprint. 

Sustainable Film has acquired two NXTGENbps Owl Energy Track Pro Monitoring Boxes which will be integral to Sustainable Film’s consultancy services, providing detailed insights into energy usage on sets and helping production teams transition to sustainable energy solutions. 

The NXTGENbps Owl allows users to track power consumption from any source and obtain a true and accurate report of usage. It features customisable dashboards connected through the cloud, enabling precise visualisation of energy metrics. The Owl’s capabilities include live tracking of the asset, live visualisation of energy use with full remote access to this data via the app. Reporting is fully exportable and configurable with graphics in any format.  This makes the Owl perfectly suited for the demanding environments of film and TV production, where understanding, managing and reporting power consumption is crucial for sustainability efforts. 

Designed for ease of use on set, the Owl can be integrated into existing power setups, allowing production teams to monitor consumption at individual sockets or as a total. This granular level of monitoring helps identify specific areas where energy savings can be made, fostering more efficient and eco-friendly production practices. 

“We are excited about the synergy between NXTGENbps and Sustainable Film as we share a common goal of reducing the environmental impact of industry practices,” said Lesley Marr, director of sustainability at NXTGENbps. “Through this partnership, we aim to educate production teams and provide the tools to make informed decisions about their energy use and embrace sustainable alternatives.” 

NXTGENbps Powers Notorious DIT’s Green Energy Initiative with Innovative Battery Solutions 

Hampton, London, UK, 30 April 2024: NXTGENbps, a pioneer in green energy solutions, proudly announces its partnership with Notorious DIT, a leading provider of digital imaging technology services in the UK.  

Notorious DIT, part of the Molinare Creative Group, boasts a rich history rooted in post-production excellence, evolving into a powerhouse in digital imaging technology since 2010. The company’s bespoke services cater to a diverse range of productions, from high-end TV shows to independent feature films, ensuring that each project receives tailored solutions for LAB, DIT, data management, and more.  

Notorious DIT has recently invested in advancing its power infrastructure by transitioning its fleet and on set carts to NXTGENbps batteries, consisting of Goat, Billy Goat, Meerkat and Fox. These cutting-edge batteries serve as the backbone of Notorious DIT’s power solutions, providing reliable and eco-friendly energy sources for the company’s fleet of vans housing on set and near set LAB and DIT technology. This strategic integration of NXTGENbps batteries offers Notorious DIT unparalleled flexibility and security of power supply, enhancing operational efficiency during productions. 

Michael Pentney, founder and managing director of Notorious DIT shared, “as we navigate our green journey, it’s crucial that we partner with likeminded companies that align to our values and passion. NXTGENbps’s battery and energy solutions not only adhere to our sustainability goals but are extremely rugged and reliable – what you need when on a remote set abroad! Our journey is just getting started and I’m looking forward to working with NXTGENbps on expanding our partnership and integrating them further into our operations.” 

NXTGENbps has developed best in breed battery-powered energy solutions designed to replace diesel generators, offering silent, emission-free power solutions for various applications. With capacities ranging from 4.8kWh to 50kWh and beyond, NXTGENbps batteries provide reliable, eco-friendly power for film and TV, outside broadcasts, events, and beyond. 

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Notorious DIT and support their transition to greener, more sustainable production practices,” said Lesley Marr, director of business development and sustainability at NXTGENbps. “Our battery-powered solutions offer a viable alternative to traditional diesel generators, ensuring reliable power without compromising environmental integrity.” 

NXTGENbps generators can be recharged through a combination of traditional UK mains plugs, electric vehicle charging stations, or by harnessing pure green power from solar. As the industry evolves, NXTGENbps remains committed to innovation, continuously seeking new solutions and partnerships to enhance their product offerings. 

The partnership between NXTGENbps and Notorious DIT marks a significant milestone in the entertainment industry’s transition towards sustainable power solutions, showcasing the potential for innovation and environmental stewardship to go hand in hand. 

NXTGENbps and Green Kit Form Hire Partnership to Promote Sustainable Production 

Hampton, London, UK, 3 January 2024: NXTGENbps, the provider of zero emission, silent, green battery generators, is proud to announce an exciting partnership with Green Kit Ltd, a London-based film lighting hire company specialising in energy efficient lights The NXTGENbps Meerkat and Goat batteries, along with the Goat expansion battery Billy Goat, are innovative portable and sustainable power solutions designed to replace traditional, noisy, and carbon-emitting diesel generators – and they are now available to hire with Green Kit Ltd.  

Sustainability has become a paramount concern for filmmakers and production crews alike. By partnering with Green Kit, NXTGENbps continues to aid the film industry’s sustainability efforts, providing a rental option for a clean, quiet, and reliable power source that aligns with their eco-conscious values.  

“We are thrilled to partner with Green Kit to introduce the NXTGENbps Meerkat, Goat and Billy Goat batteries to the film and broadcast industry,” said Lesley Marr, Director of Sustainability at NXTGENbps. “This partnership signifies our commitment to making sustainable power solutions available for everyone. Hiring batteries from Green Kit will allow crews to reduce their carbon emissions whilst ensuring a seamless, silent production experience.” 

Green Kit recently rented out the Goat to power a satellite link from London to Doha ensuring that the live broadcast from outside of Westminster ran smoothly for the four-hour duration. Martin Langley, cameraman for the broadcast, commented, “Hiring the Goat for this broadcast was a game-changer. It saved the crew tremendous amounts of time with a quick and easy set-up, and being a silent battery generator, we didn’t have to worry about noise interference.”  

Green Kit Ltd is the first rental house to offer the NXTGENbps Goat battery for hire. Green Kit has always been dedicated to reducing the environmental impact of film production, and this collaboration represents a significant step toward a greener future for our industry. Pat McEnallay, Founder of Green Kit, added, “The Goat is a great addition for our organisation. With the industry coming back to full strength, it is important to offer the most advanced, sustainable technology.” 

Plimsoll Productions saves half a tonne of CO2 with a 12% reduction on costs on Ainsley’s National Trust Cook Off with NXTGENbps

Plimsoll Productions saves half a tonne of CO2 with a 12% reduction on costs on Ainsley’s National Trust Cook Off with NXTGENbps

NXTGENbps, an innovator in sustainable power solutions with advanced zero-emissions generators, recently worked with ITV Studios production company Plimsoll Productions to enable it to utilise NXTGENbps Goat green batteries instead of diesel/petrol on its ITV series Ainsley’s National Trust Cook Off.  

The NXTGENbps Goat is 5kW/4.8kh and is expandable up to a max of 139.2 kWh via the NXTGENbps Billy Goat at 9.6kWh. The extremely robust design cast aluminium and carbon fibre casing comes in 16 or 32 single-phase output configurations and is suitable for all conditions, making it ideal for various applications including on-location lighting, video setups, production offices and catering. 
  
“Finding cleaner ways to power our shows on location is really exciting, and much needed in our industry,” said Phil Holdgate – Head of Production Sustainability – ITV Studios. He continued, “This solution was great. We had the power supply right in the middle of the action and could have only been achieved using batteries. Not only did this cost-effective solution help us reduce our carbon footprint, but we also had a quieter and safer working environment with no messy cables running across the ground.”  

Shooting for approximately 7-hours a day, including set-up, three NXTGENbps Goats provided an incredible 5.6 kWh each per day. The Plimsoll set-up consumed a total of 168 kWh which powered the lighting, V-lock battery charging, the video village, the on-screen outdoor kitchen including fridges, and the off-screen prep kitchen also included fridges and urns.

The IP67 weather resistant batteries were an added advantage since the locations were remote, outdoor, and quite often in muddy, gravelled, and steep locations. The team swapped the battery generators between use and charging off a 13amp that was a fair distance from the location, so that there was always one spare if set-ups changed.  

Rob Wall, Technical Manager, Plimsoll Productions said, “NXTGENbps was a great partner for this project, helping us trial battery power for a production by offering great advice and service. We were able to place the eGenerators on set, cutting down on the cabling and rigging compared to diesels – this was especially important as the general public were close to set. We would feel confident using battery power on larger productions in the future.”

Lesley Marr, Business Development and Sustainability Director, NXTGENbps added, “If Plimsoll Productions had used petrol generators at an average price of £1.60 a litre, there would have been costs of around £288 in fuel alone. And then there would have been the inconvenience and cost of getting fuel to the sites, as well as any additional cable runs required. We are really proud of what we achieved together for this production and hope this will pave the way for transition to battery power on locations, helping to prove what savings can be made and how versatile working with batteries is.”