Energy / power
Actions for this theme are relevant for Camera, lighting, grip and sound, Catering, Costume, Facilities, Locations, Post-production, Production, Sustainability roles and Visual effects departments. We strongly encourage collaborating across departments and sharing knowledge to maximise the positive impact of your efforts and to avoid silo working.
Energy efficiency on a production is key to cutting carbon and cost.
According to the Screen New Deal report, energy in the form of electricity and gas consumption is the second largest contributor to carbon emissions for a typical tentpole production. The report also noted that diesel generators account for 15% of the total carbon emissions in these same productions. Diesel generators are widely seen as convenient and flexible within the screen industry however, energy optimisations (including water consumption) and battery generators could support the transition to a more sustainable and cost-effective industry.
Use the following diagram, ‘The Clean Power Hierarchy’ adapted from an image by Creative Zero, to help you make smart decisions on power for a production:
- Prevention & efficiency: Reduce power use first, switch off unused appliances, add timers and motion sensors on trailers if you can.
- Grid power first: Prioritise mains / grid power first. Push for 100% renewable tariffs.
- Batteries: Batteries are silent, emission-free, and increasingly circular thanks to second-life tech. They need charging, so a skilled power manager is essential. Solar and wind can top up batteries, keeping them charged as you go.
- Hybrids & alternative fuels: Green hydrogen may be as good as batteries in certain scenarios. It can extend battery power with hybrid hydrogen-battery systems. Stage III and V generators run on HVO hybridised with a battery to maximise efficiency.
Fossil fuels: Only ever use where nothing else can be used.
Image credit: graphic adapted from Vision 2025 Outdoor Events/Climate Action Group, updated February 2026, Creative Zero.
Other things to consider
- Ensure the right sizing and efficient loading of generators to mitigate fuel waste.
- Battery power reduces fuel generation runtime by at least 50% and allows you to store and move energy when required.
- All hydrogen is not made equal – blue and grey hydrogen rely on oil and gas while green hydrogen relies on renewable energy.