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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 is pleased to announce a new partnership with Event Electrix, a leading hire provider of innovative battery power solutions for the events industry.
As an official hire partner, Event Electrix will make NXTGENbps’s cutting-edge sustainable battery units available for short-term use, perfect for events and temporary setups. This partnership ensures that our advanced battery solutions are more widely accessible, offering flexible options for those who need reliable power.
Event Electrix has successfully implemented our battery units in various applications. For example, at the recent Wealden Times Summer Fair, their deployment of our batteries reduced fuel consumption by about 300 litres and CO2 emissions by an estimated 800kg. These achievements highlight the environmental benefits of using our advanced battery technology, even for short-term hires.
Event Electrix, based in Kent, has over 40 years of experience in providing temporary power solutions for the Film & TV Sector, Events Industry, and Backup & Emergency Power scenarios. They offer a wide range of generators, from diesel to hybrid, battery, and solar-enabled, and are dedicated to delivering high-quality, sustainable power solutions tailored to meet each client’s needs.
To learn more about how this partnership can benefit your next event, or to enquire about our innovative battery solutions, please visit our contact page.
At NXTGENbps, we are committed to creating a sustainable future by supporting projects that align with our mission of reducing carbon emissions. That’s why we are excited to partner with the Firestone Bridge Conservation Project, raising funds for an initiative that is dedicated to restoring a unique ecosystem in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This project spearheaded by James McAleer exemplifies the type of environmental stewardship we advocate for.
James McAleer, a passionate eco-volunteer and activist, has undertaken an ambitious project to transform a fifty-acre parcel of land with a rich industrial history into a thriving natural habitat. This land, once a lead mine and Victorian council tip, is now a beacon of biodiversity and natural recovery. The Firestone Bridge Conservation Project is centred around the preservation and restoration of peatland, a crucial natural resource that covers only 3% of the Earth’s surface but stores over 30% of its soil carbon.
The Firestone Bridge Conservation Project focuses on several key areas:
We are fundraising for next phase of the Firestone Bridge Conservation Project. Your contributions will directly support:
At NXTGENbps, we are passionate about supporting initiatives that promote sustainability and environmental stewardship. By partnering with the Firestone Bridge Conservation Project, we are helping to amplify their efforts and raise the necessary funds to achieve their goals.
Your support is crucial to achieving this vision, so we ask you to please donate if you can and spread the word. Be a part of this transformative journey!
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.”
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.