World First: Hydrogen Powers Major Festival Stages

The Forwards festival in Bristol is featuring a world-first clean power pilot scheme, utilizing a zero-emission hydrogen plant to power its main stage. This innovative project combines hydrogen power with mobile batteries charged by sustainable energy sources. The initiative is supported by regional public funds and political will, aiming to provide secure green mobile power for festivals and events.

The clean power pilot (CPP) grew from a low-carbon concert by Massive Attack. Act 1.5, a creative industry project, collaborated on this concept, receiving financial backing from the West of England mayoral combined authority and support from Bristol city council. This marks a significant step in reducing the environmental impact of large-scale events.

The main stage at this weekend's festival is powered by a compact hydrogen power plant from GeoPura, with pure water as its sole byproduct. A second stage and other areas use battery units charged with renewable electricity, supplemented by generators running on hydrotreated vegetable oil. This approach significantly minimizes the need for traditional, noisy diesel generators.

Act 1.5 is working to expand this concept to other mayoral authorities across England and has attracted international interest. The project is seen as a catalyst for systemic change, enabling decarbonization for festivals and film productions in Bristol and beyond. Artists and industry figures have lauded the effort, highlighting its importance in addressing climate change realities and imagining a sustainable future.