Netflix cuts on-set diesel generator use by up to 75%
Netflix has released a report detailing its use of clean power technologies to replace diesel generators on its global film and television productions. According to the report, hydrogen power units, mobile batteries, and solar systems are now standard across all scripted Netflix-managed productions. The company cited specific examples, including "The Diplomat" using hydrogen for three seasons and "APEX" becoming Australia's first hydrogen-powered film, achieving diesel reductions between 40% and 75% on various sets.
Key Takeaways
- On key productions, diesel fuel use was cut by 40% ('Peaky Blinders'), over 50% ('APEX'), and over 75% ('The Boroughs').
- Hydrogen power units are a primary replacement, with 'The Diplomat' using them for three consecutive seasons and 'APEX' being the first Australian film to do so.
- Beyond hydrogen, 'ONE PIECE' created South Africa's first solar-powered battery hybrid system to power its basecamp.
- Since 2023, every scripted Netflix-managed production has been required to integrate some form of clean mobile power or electric vehicles.
- The move follows similar initiatives from Sky, which launched its own hybrid hydrogen system, and rollouts of grid-tie-ins and hydrogen in Ontario.
Why It Matters
Netflix is shifting on-set power from a simple operational cost to a sustainability metric with published, auditable results. By standardizing hydrogen, solar, and battery power, it establishes a new operational baseline for its global scripted productions, moving beyond one-off 'green' initiatives. By publishing production-level data, Netflix puts pressure on other studios to report similar metrics, as seen with Sky's own hydrogen system launch. This industry-wide move could create a new market for specialized clean energy suppliers focused on remote production. Watch whether other major studios begin publishing their own production-specific diesel displacement figures.
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