GeoPura partnered with Latitude Festival 2024, to introduce an innovative solution to power the event more sustainably. This year, GeoPura’s Hydrogen Power Units (HPUs) replaced HVO biofuel generators, providing zero-emission electricity to part of the festival’s village area including medical / welfare, merchandise stand, VIP camping, and the festival’s recycling and waste sorting hub.
Hydrogen: The VIP of Latitude Festival 2024 (Very Important Power)
Traditionally, festivals have relied on diesel generators, which can contribute to carbon emissions and noise pollution. This year, Latitude Festival, known for its eclectic mix of music, arts, and culture, is also taking further strides in showcasing its commitment to reducing its environmental footprint. To reduce emissions and continue to lead the way in sustainable event management, the festival trialled hydrogen power, as well as used HVO biofuel* in all generators meaning festival power was 100% fossil fuel free.
This initiative is part of a broader sustainability plan encompassing several green initiatives: full waste and recycling sorting onsite ensuring no festival waste ends up in landfill, promoting low-carbon travel through ticketing partnerships and incentives, implementing a deposit return scheme for cups, cans and bottles, running a campsite recycling rewards scheme, and displaying the carbon footprint of food sold on the festival app. There will also be space provided for climate activist and environmental groups Greenpeace, Climate Live and Every Can Counts to interact with festival goers on their important work.
GeoPura’s HPUs utilise green hydrogen to produce clean electricity, eliminating the carbon emissions associated with power generation. This not only reduces the festival’s carbon footprint but also eliminates both air and noise pollution, creating a healthier and more pleasant experience for festival-goers and the local community.
Andrew Cunningham, CEO of GeoPura, added, “We’re incredibly excited to partner with Latitude Festival this year. Our HPUs make it possible to power large events sustainably without compromising on performance or experience. In fact, by introducing reliable, zero-emission power, organisers are not only lowering the carbon footprint of the event, but also enhancing the overall experience for all involved with cleaner air and quieter operations.
“We commend Latitude Festival, Festival Republic and Live Nation UK for their leadership in implementing this technology and setting a powerful example for other large events to follow.”
By exploring alternative power options, Latitude Festival is building on its work to date and taking crucial steps towards Live Nation’s global goal of a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030, demonstrating that sustainable practices can power large-scale events while protecting the environment.
Melvin Benn, Managing Director of Festival Republic, commented: “Powering an event like Latitude Festival sustainably is a big focus for us and requires reliable, renewable energy sources. Our partnership with GeoPura and the integration of their Hydrogen Power Units is a fantastic step forward by exploring alternative power solutions.
“By trialling hydrogen power at this year’s festival, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also protecting the local environment and paving the way for more sustainable events in the future. As set out in our Green Nation Sustainability Charter we have a responsibility to preserve the live music experience for generations to come and the opportunity to use our platform to inspire global environmental action.”
Making Sustainability a Reality
Following on from the successful use of hydrogen at the Isle of Wight Festival last month, where HPUs were used to power the crew and artist catering and part of the guest village, their further use at Latitude Festival is another great example of how hydrogen power can support large-scale events without compromising on environmental standards and avoiding exposure to exhaust particulates. The only output is water!
*HVO biofuel is hydrotreated vegetable oil – a palm oil free biofuel that is produced from renewable raw materials with up to 90% reduced carbon emissions.
