Springwatch, Autumnwatch & Winterwatch
GeoPura’s HPU technology has been truly tried and tested by the BBC Natural History unit over several years of Springwatch, Autumnwatch and Winterwatch series that GeoPura has powered. In this case study we focus on Springwatch. Two 250kW HPUs were used to power the production village, including cameras, lighting and sound equipment.
Springwatch has once again demonstrated the potential for all largescale television productions to switch to reliable, clean and off-grid energy and transition away from diesel generators in the industry.
Key Metrics
CO2
18, 439 kg
Saved
NOX
178.6 kg
Saved
PM
6.9 kg
Saved
Improvements to make
Challenges
- Hard to access remote, off-grid locations.
- Critical power needed for live broadcasting.
- Sustainable alternative to diesel generators needed
How GeoPura helped
Solutions
- GeoPura HPU utilised to provide reliable, consistent power during live broadcasting.
- Experienced teams to advise and oversee implementation of equipment and systems.
- Better working conditions for the production team involved due to improved air quality from zero-emission energy generation.
About the Project
Typically based in environmentally sensitive locations including Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and nature reserves, it’s imperative our equipment does not have an impact on the surrounding area and the wildlife in these highly protected environments. Our HPUs are designed to operate at much lower noise levels than traditional diesel generators and of course, do not emit any toxic fumes or emissions. This means power can be generated in a controlled manner with minimal disruption to the local environment and staff working on site, as well as having the long-term benefit to the wider climate change by not producing any greenhouse gases or carbon emissions.
Due to the live broadcasting nature of these series, it is imperative that critical power is sustained at all times to ensure the live feeds are not interrupted at any point. The technology utilised in the HPU includes two uninterruptible power systems as well as onboard battery systems to guarantee consistent, high levels of power are always available. The HPU can also augment grid connections to ensure that during peak demand periods, the energy levels required are still maintained for use on site elsewhere. The HPU also runs significantly quieter than traditional generators, improving the working environment for contractors on site.
Watch our video on the BBC
Chris Packham chats about the future of outside broadcasting and how they’re using green hydrogen to power operations.
Hydrogen Power Unit (HPU) Technology
The original hydrogen-powered generator, fueled by green hydrogen. Proven, robust, and reliable, it delivers quiet, zero-emission power for a wide range of applications.
The Applications
Back-up Power
Critical Power
Off-Grid Power
Grid Augmentation
…I would like to extend a massive vote of thanks and admiration to the team that has made this work…
Change is the only way we will begin to tackle the climate crisis. And that means taking action. I am very pleased that Springwatch has been leading the way in the drive to reduce the carbon footprint of its
production. It’s incredibly important that we can pioneer the use of new technologies and methods then others will follow and then we have meaningful progress. So personally I would like to extend a
massive vote of thanks and admiration to the team that has made this work. Top work!
Chris Packham, TV Presenter
BBC Springwatch
Check out how we’ve powered the BMW PGA Championship sustainably.
GeoPura has been proudly working with both FTVS and IMG to provide zero-emission power to a number of sporting events over the last two years.
Film & TV at GeoPura
Image featured:
Behind the scene. Film crew team filming movie scene on outdoor location. Group cinema set
