The UK live events industry is facing a crucial challenge. According to a recent report by Hope Solutions, the sector consumes 380 million litres of diesel annually, enough to fill 152 Olympic-sized swimming pools, just to power festivals, concerts, and outdoor events. The result? 1.2 million tonnes of CO₂e emissions, polluting the air and contributing to climate change. It’s clear that we need a cleaner alternative.
We appreciate the authors of this report for shedding light on the issue, and while progress is being made, there’s still much more to do.
Beyond Carbon: A Holistic Approach to Sustainable Events
Reducing emissions isn’t just about hitting sustainability targets; it’s about creating healthier environments for artists, crew members, and audiences. Diesel generators don’t just produce CO₂ they release harmful NOx and particulate matter, contributing to air pollution and respiratory issues. Attending an event shouldn’t feel like standing behind the exhaust pipe of a busy motorway. Cleaner energy solutions can significantly improve air quality and the overall experience for everyone involved.
The Hope Solutions report also highlights that many events use far more power than necessary due to outdated specifications or a lack of energy monitoring. Optimising energy use and adopting cleaner technologies, such as hydrogen power, can help significantly cut emissions while ensuring events run smoothly.
Consumers are also paying attention. A growing number of festival-goers and ticket buyers are demanding sustainable event experiences. The push for greener events isn’t just an environmental necessity, it’s becoming a business imperative. Brands and organisers that embrace zero-emission event power solutions will be the ones that thrive in the years ahead. Just as plastic straws and single-use cups have been phased out, diesel generators should be the next relic of the past.
Hydrogen: A Scalable Solution for Event Power
At GeoPura, we’re proving that large-scale events can transition away from diesel. Our Hydrogen Power Units (HPUs) have already provided power at major UK festivals like the Isle of Wight Festival, Latitude Festival, and Big Church Festival, significantly reducing CO₂ emissions. We’re helping organisers break free from diesel without compromising on reliability or performance.
GeoPura’s Hydrogen Power Units (HPUs) are self-charging battery systems powered by green hydrogen, offering zero-emission energy for outdoor events, festivals, and sporting venues. The benefits include:
- Improved air quality for event staff and attendees, making festival environments cleaner and healthier.
- Significant emission reductions, helping organisers meet sustainability goals without compromising performance.
- Hydrogen-powered EV charging, reducing travel-related emissions and supporting battery-powered equipment for greater energy efficiency.
While some organisers are switching to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as a lower-carbon alternative to diesel, it is not a long-term solution. HVO still produces harmful emissions, relies on limited feedstock, and does not fully address air quality concerns. The Hope Solutions report also highlights that relying on biofuels alone will not deliver the emissions reductions needed to meet sustainability targets. To truly decarbonise live events, we need scalable, zero-emission solutions like hydrogen.
