Restoring Nature at Firestone Bridge: One Year of Progress

At NXTGENbps, we believe sustainability goes beyond clean energy generation – it’s about supporting the ecosystems that sustain us all. That’s why last year we partnered with the Firestone Bridge Conservation Project, an initiative led by James McAleer to restore a degraded industrial landscape in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 

As a company dedicated to renewable power solutions, we recognise that truly sustainable practices require looking beyond technology alone. Peatlands like those at Firestone Bridge are among the planet’s most effective carbon sinks – when healthy, they capture and store more carbon per hectare than forests. By supporting their restoration, we’re investing in natural climate solutions that complement the clean energy work we do every day. 

What was once a lead mine and Victorian council tip is being transformed into a thriving ecosystem, helping preserve vital peatland and biodiversity for generations to come. Now over twelve months on, remarkable progress has been made – powered in part by clean energy from NXTGENbps battery systems. 

Powering Regeneration 

Sustainable restoration in such a remote environment brings its own challenges. With no access to mains electricity, traditional generators would risk undoing the very environmental gains the project aims to achieve. Instead, Firestone Bridge runs on portable NXTGENbps batteries, providing reliable, zero-emission power for equipment, irrigation, lighting, and monitoring tools used on site. 

This clean energy support has allowed James and his team to conduct surveys, operate essential tools, and even power the early stages of the new reservoir and sphagnum moss farm without relying on fossil fuels – keeping the project’s carbon footprint low from the ground up. 

Rebuilding the Landscape 

A key milestone has been the creation of a new reservoir, diverting water away from contaminated mine spoil and back through its original wetland route – as shown on maps dating back centuries. This allows rainwater to slow naturally, reducing flood risk downstream while supporting the irrigation of the site’s forthcoming sphagnum moss farm, essential for peatland regeneration and carbon capture. 

Other recent developments include: 

  • Revetment construction to prevent erosion and protect the river from polluted materials. 
  • Leaky dam installation to manage water flow and encourage habitat formation. 
  • Soil recreation and bio-crusting trials, exploring new ways to stabilise contaminated ground and encourage plant growth. 
  • Archaeological research uncovering historic mine workings dating to the Middle Ages, linking environmental restoration with cultural preservation. 

Universities, including researchers from Newcastle University, are now using the site for PhD studies focused on soil regeneration and ecosystem restoration – evidence of Firestone Bridge’s growing scientific and educational importance. 

Our Continued Support 

Our ongoing involvement in the Firestone Bridge Conservation Project reflects more than our commitment to sustainable power – it’s part of our belief that technology and nature can work together to create real, lasting change. By supplying clean, portable energy where it’s needed most, we’re helping enable projects like this to operate entirely off-grid, proving that renewable power can drive both environmental progress and practical results. 

To learn more or support the next phase of the project, visit Firestone Bridge Conservation Project on Instagram – and if you can, please consider donating to support this work. 

NXTGENbps Brings Sustainability and Industry Insight to Sky

Exploring Innovation, Technology and Sustainability in Broadcast Production

The NXTGENbps | BPS Kit Expo @ Sky brought together leading voices from across the broadcast and production industry to explore how innovation, technology, and sustainability are reshaping the way content is created and delivered.

Hosted by NXTGENbps at Sky’s headquarters, the event featured three panels chaired by broadcaster Nadine Dereza, with experts from across the industry.

Each discussion offered a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities driving modern media production — from post-IBC insights to the technologies redefining live broadcasting and the urgent need for sustainable change.

Below, you can watch the full recordings of all three sessions.

The Craft of Making Content Sustainably

Panel Discussion on Greener Productions

What are the real challenges facing content creators in reducing carbon impact, and how can the industry accelerate change?

This insightful discussion features sustainability leaders exploring practical steps and collective action toward greener production practices.

Panel:
• Nadine Dereza – Broadcaster and Presenter (Chair)
• Lesley Marr – Sustainability Director, NXTGENbps
• Dee Davison – Director, Beyond Zero Ventures
• Mandy Cayford – Sustainability Advisor, Picture Zero
• Crispin Hardy – Founder, Location One

How Tech is Reshaping Live Broadcasting

Panel Discussion on Technology Driving Modern Live Production

How is technology driving change in live broadcast production?

This panel brings together leading voices from Sky Sports, Formula E and Limitless Broadcast to discuss how innovation is transforming workflows, enhancing storytelling, and redefining the viewer experience.

Panel:
• Nadine Dereza – Broadcaster and Presenter (Chair)
• Jennie Blackmore – Head of Production, Sky Sports
• Toby Jenn – Snr Broadcast Operations Manager, Formula E
• Claire Wilkie – Founder and CEO, Limitless Broadcast

IBC2025 Recap – What Caught My Eye and Why

Fireside Chat on Key Broadcast Innovations and IBC Takeaways

Join Nadine Dereza in conversation with Sarah Adams, Operational Technical Specialist at Sky Sports, as they discuss standout innovations from IBC2025 and their impact on production today.

This fireside chat explores emerging trends, practical takeaways, and the technologies shaping the next phase of broadcast operations.

Speakers:
• Nadine Dereza – Broadcaster and Presenter
• Sarah Adams – Operational Technical Specialist, Sky Sports

Shop Sustainable Battery Power

Power your production with clean, silent energy. NXTGENbps provides reliable battery systems for film, TV, events and a wide range of applications. A smarter alternative to diesel, designed for off grid and on-location use.

If you would like to find out more about our range of silent, zero emission battery solutions, you can contact our team or browse the range in our online shop.

Powering Sproud’s Coffee Van Roadshow 

Sustainable Power for a Plant-Based Brand 

Sproud, a plant-based milk brand recognised for its commitment to sustainability, launched a nationwide supermarket roadshow to introduce shoppers to their products by serving free coffees made with Sproud. 

For a campaign like this, a battery-powered solution made sense: it’s quiet, easy to deploy, and avoids the fumes and emissions of diesel generators. NXTGENbps worked with Sproud to identify the most efficient and reliable setup to keep the coffee van running throughout long days on the road. 

Understanding the Challenge 

The coffee van needed enough power to run for long days – typically nine-hour shifts with around eight hours of service. It had to power two espresso machines, grinders, fridges, lights, and flow jets, all while being reliable and straightforward to deploy at each site. 

Testing the Right Setup 

To provide the most efficient power solution, we carried out detailed testing to ensure it would meet the demands. 

  • Starting with the 5kWh Goat battery, we powered all equipment. After the initial heat-up, the charge dropped from 100% to 87%. 
  • In service, making two drinks at a time used around 1% of the battery, equating to roughly 200 drinks over three hours. 
  • To cover the full nine-hour shifts – often producing up to 600 drinks – we paired the Goat with the Billy Goat expansion pack, increasing total capacity to 14.6kWh. 

This combination provided a practical and reliable power source that could handle a full day’s service without interruption. 

On the Road 

With the battery solution in place, Sproud’s coffee van has been visiting supermarkets across the UK, serving hundreds of coffees each day and allowing shoppers to taste their plant-based milk – all powered by clean, quiet battery energy.

 To find out more about our sustainable battery power solutions, contact our team today!

Power in Nature: Why Our Batteries Are Named After Animals 

Power in Nature: Why Our Batteries Are Named After Animals

The shift away from diesel generators is no longer optional for film, television, and live events. Productions and events today are under pressure to cut emissions while maintaining reliability, and clean energy systems need to become central to how crews work. At NXTGENbps, our role is to provide silent, zero-emission battery power that meets the demands of modern production without compromise.

When we began developing our range of portable and high-capacity batteries, we wanted each product to do more than just deliver sustainable energy. That’s why we chose to name our products after animals – a decision that reflects two core ideas: capturing the traits of the animal and highlighting the importance of protecting biodiversity. 

Our batteries are named after animals because they embody qualities that align with how the products perform in the field. The Goat, for example, is known for resilience and sure-footedness in any terrain, much like our best-selling portable unit designed for diverse filming locations. 

The Emperor draws on the endurance of the emperor penguin, thriving in extreme conditions just as the battery supports large-scale productions with high power demands. The Swift, our lightest and flight-safe option, mirrors the agility and efficiency of its namesake bird. And the Bat, quiet and adaptable, reflects our compact solution for smaller or sensitive shoots.

But there is a second purpose behind these names. Climate change does not only affect energy use. It is reshaping entire ecosystems. Species such as emperor penguins, swifts, and many bat populations are facing growing threats linked to habitat loss and global warming. By naming our products after animals, we highlight the connection between sustainable power and the wider environmental responsibility we all share. Protecting nature is as important as reducing carbon. 

This is the beginning of a series where we will explore each product and its animal namesake in more detail. We will look at the design features that make our batteries adaptable, reliable, and scalable for productions, while also spotlighting the real environmental challenges facing these animals in the wild.

NXTGENbps batteries are designed to power productions responsibly today. By linking them to the natural world, we aim to remind ourselves and the industry that every decision about energy has an impact beyond the set.

Why Better Access Is Key to Battery Adoption in Production

Battery technology in film and TV has come a long way. It’s quieter, cleaner, and now more practical than ever before, but access and adoption are still catching up. At NXTGENbps, we know that making sustainable power the default option on set and at live events means more than just having the right products. It means making them easy to get hold of wherever you are, and whenever you need them. 

That’s why we’ve expanded our hire and sales partner network, both across the UK and internationally. It’s a step towards removing one of the biggest barriers to change: availability. With the right network in place, it becomes much easier for productions to choose battery power, not just as a green alternative, but as a reliable, flexible solution that genuinely works on set. 

We’ve seen growing demand from crews who want to move away from fossil fuel generators. They’re looking for something cleaner, but also quieter, safer, and more efficient. Battery power can deliver all of that. And with innovations like solid-state chemistry, telemetrics, and multi-mode charging, the performance gap between batteries and traditional generators has more than closed. In many cases, it’s reversed. 

Still, we know there’s a long way to go. Widespread change takes time and trust. By working with knowledgeable, service-driven partners, we’re helping make that transition easier, more practical, and more widely available. Because sustainable energy shouldn’t be the hard option. 

If you’re planning a production or live event and exploring ways to reduce emissions without adding complexity, we’d love to help. Our team can advise on the right system and the fastest route to access it through our growing network. 

Explore the product range online or check out our network of hire and sales partners online now.  

NXTGENbps Newsletter

The Latest from NXTGENbps

Across events, editorials, and outdoor adventures, we’ve been highlighting how our batteries deliver clean, reliable power wherever it’s needed. Here’s a quick round-up of where we’ve been, what we’ve been working on, and how our battery systems are continuing to support cleaner, smarter energy across the industry.

Outdoor Adventures with NXTGENbps BMZ Power Station Life Bat

In her blog for NXTGENbps, Alison Wood takes the Power Station Life off-grid putting it through its paces across four days of remote wild camping, tool-heavy DIY sessions, and kitchen tests in the camper. From running air con and cool boxes to powering saws, hoovers, and even rice cookers, the bat delivered clean, reliable energy without compromise. Whether you’re a camper, maker, or prepper, this compact unit packs serious off-grid power.

Read more >

Definition Magazine Roundtable: Batteries 

Lesley Marr joined a Definition Magazine roundtable to discuss the future of battery tech in film and TV. She highlighted the industry’s shift from diesel to smarter, greener systems—like our flight-safe Swift battery.

Read here >

NXTGENbps BMZ Power Station Bat Work and Life Durable 2.5kW Batteries

Our latest video introduces the BMZ Power Station Life and Work—two 2.5kW batteries built for different needs. Life suits off-grid living and camping, while Work is ideal for tools and tougher environments. Same power, tailored use.

Read more >

Spotlight on Sustainability Behind the Lens 
We recently took part in the Production Guild’s Sustainability Behind the Lens event at Garden Studios, London, showcasing how our zero-emission battery systems help productions move away diesel without losing reliability. Big thanks to everyone who stopped by and to Get Set Hire for featuring the Bear on site.

Supporting Sustainability with Albert 
Sustainability is becoming a bigger focus across the industry, and we’re proud to be part of that shift. In Albert’s World Environment Day video, we share why supporting greener productions matters and how our place in the Albert Supplier Directory reflects that commitment. 
Watch here >

Product Highlight

Hire the Bear with Get Set Hire  
Our most powerful portable battery, the Bear, is available to hire through Get Set Hire. Designed for demanding on-set and off-grid use, it delivers clean, quiet power with smart control features.
Find out more >

Sustainability Behind the Lens: NXTGENbps Pure Green Energy

NXTGENbps recently took part in Sustainability Behind the Lens, a key industry event hosted by The Production Guild of Great Britain at Garden Studios. Designed to spotlight practical solutions for greener productions, the event brought together suppliers, studios, and sustainability advocates from across the sector.

It proved a busy and successful day for the NXTGENbps team, who showcased the full range of our zero-emission battery systems – including the Bear, which was also on display with our friends at Get Set Hire. The event provided a valuable opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and demonstrate how clean, silent power is helping productions cut emissions without compromising on performance.

If you would like to speak with our super friendly team about our range of sustainable power solutions, please get in touch!

 

Definition Magazine Roundtable: Batteries

Definition Magazine Roundtable: Batteries

 

NXTGENbps featured in Definition Magazine’s recent roundtable, where industry leaders explored the evolving landscape of battery technology in film and TV production. Our Director of Sustainability and Business Development, Lesley Marr, joined other experts to address key challenges and future trends.

Lesley highlighted how outdated workflows and reliance on legacy diesel equipment are slowing the industry’s transition to greener, more cost-efficient power. She also addressed the shift towards lower-draw lighting, the need for certified, weatherproof battery systems, and the importance of smart features like remote monitoring to improve planning and safety on set.

One standout from the discussion was our Swift battery – the world’s first flight-safe NMC solid-state unit.

Read the full article in Definition Magazine here.

 

NCS Industry Insights: Sustainability

Lesley Marr, Director of Sustainability and Business Development at NXTGENbps, has contributed her expertise to two NCS Industry Insights features exploring how the broadcast sector is tackling sustainability. These roundtables bring together voices from across the industry to assess what’s working, what’s not, and where there’s room for real change.

In the first feature, which asks whether sustainability in broadcasting is more than just a marketing pitch, Lesley highlights how audiences increasingly expect transparency and meaningful action. She explains that greener productions not only improve working conditions but can also unlock more creative opportunities, benefiting both crews and the final output. Her comment underscores how reputation in the industry is built not on claims but on consistent, forward-thinking delivery. Read the article

In the second article, which shifts focus to practical implementation, Lesley discusses the growing role of remote production and the importance of replacing diesel with battery power on set. She emphasises that while this switch may require extra planning around power loads and logistics, the benefits – fewer emissions and better on-set environments – are worth the effort. She also points out that many productions overestimate their energy needs, and better forecasting can help save both carbon and cost. Read the article

NXTGENbps Newsletter

The Latest from NXTGENbps

From new product launches to industry features and a very successful time at MPTS, there has been plenty happening at NXTGENbps. We’re continuing to support productions of all sizes with practical, sustainable power solutions. Here’s a quick look at what’s been going on.

Product Highlights

New: NXTGENbps Power Station Bat Range Now Available

Meet the latest addition to the NXTGENbps line-up, the Power Station Bat Range. These 2.5kW/2.5kWh portable batteries deliver clean, silent power for productions, tools, and remote setups, with zero emissions and a compact 25kg design. Choose from the Life Bat for lighter use or the Work Bat for more rugged demands. Both are solar-compatible, weatherproof, and built for mobility.
Explore the Power Station Bat Range →

SHAPE Basecamp Emperor Now Available from NXTGENbps 

NXTGENbps is now the official distributor of the SHAPE Basecamp Emperor battery for the UK, Europe, and Northern Ireland. With a 15.56kWh capacity, 15kW peak output, and scalable design, this powerful unit offers silent, zero-emission energy for demanding production environments. It’s a major step forward for crews looking to reduce their environmental impact without compromising performance. 
Find out more → 

NXTGENbps takes MPTS 2025

We had a brilliant time at the Media Production & Technology Show last week, thank you to everyone who stopped by our stand! Showcasing our full range of sustainable battery solutions alongside BPS, we had some fantastic conversations with teams eager to adopt cleaner, more flexible power.

The show also gave us the chance to connect with partners, including a newly appointed dealer based in Vietnam, expanding our global reach and helping bring sustainable power to even more locations around the world.

NXTGENbps Joins SME Climate Hub

NXTGENbps has joined the SME Climate Hub, strengthening its commitment to real climate action. We’re continuing to innovate pure green energy solutions that help productions cut emissions.

The Goat is on Lumolist

The NXTGENbps Goat is now listed on Lumolist, making it even easier for crews to plan sustainable, off-grid shoots. Browse specs and build your kit lists.
View on Lumolist →

New Look, Same Pure Green Power

We’ve refreshed the NXTGENbps homepage to make it even easier to explore our full range of sustainable battery solutions.
Take a look >

NXTGENbps in Print 

We featured in the latest issue of Cinematography World, as part of their Sustainable Shooting spotlight. Read more Pg.64 →

Thought Leadership: Is the Industry Ready for Battery Power? 
In her latest blog, Lesley Marr explores how battery technology has evolved to meet the real demands of production, offering flight-safe, solar-ready, and long-life solutions that are already outperforming diesel. From remote shoots to international travel, today’s batteries are smarter, safer, and more sustainable than ever. 
Read the full blog → 

Listed on the WeAreALBERT Suppliers Directory 
NXTGENbps is now officially part of the WeAreALBERT Suppliers Directory, reinforcing our commitment to supporting lower-carbon productions. Our silent, zero-emission battery systems are helping crews across the industry power their kit sustainably without compromise. 
Explore the directory →