Disney and Netflix Transitioning Away from Diesel on Production Sets

Netflix and The Walt Disney Co. are taking steps to reduce fuel consumption on movie and TV production sets by offering incentives to production crews. The aim is to phase out the use of diesel generators, a move that aligns with the Clean Mobile Power Initiative, a joint project funded by both companies.

The initiative involves testing various alternative energy solutions, including battery energy storage systems, hydrogen-power generators, and hybrid systems combining solar, batteries, green hydrogen, wind turbines, and on-site water generation. These technologies are being utilized to power various aspects of production, from dressing room trailers to lighting equipment.

Diesel generators are a significant source of emissions in the film and television industry, contributing an estimated 700,000 tons of emissions annually. They produce more emissions per kilowatt-hour of electricity than coal, highlighting the need for cleaner energy solutions.

Disney and Netflix have introduced these technologies on their sets and are looking to expand their adoption across the industry. Lisa Day, senior manager of sustainable productions at Disney, expressed the companies’ desire to influence the broader adoption of cleaner technologies despite facing challenges as they are not the direct purchasers of such equipment.

To facilitate the transition, specialized suppliers like MBS Group, Sunbelt Rentals, and Quixote by Sunset Studios are supporting the testing of these technologies. Emma Stewart, chief sustainability officer at Netflix, emphasized the importance of real-world testing to ensure the effectiveness of these solutions.

While Disney and Netflix are leading the way, Earth Angel, a consulting firm supporting the media and entertainment sector, reports that half of its clients are already incorporating clean energy technologies on their sets. However, scaling up these initiatives from trials to widespread adoption remains a challenge, requiring crews and workers to become more comfortable with the new technologies.

The shift towards cleaner energy sources is crucial for both companies. Greenhouse gas emissions from film production account for a significant portion of Netflix’s annual emissions, while Disney considers media production activities as one of its top sources of supply chain emissions.

As part of their commitment to sustainability, Netflix and Disney are providing additional funds to support the use of non-diesel technologies on production sets. This includes investments in solar-powered equipment, hydrogen-power units, and batteries to reduce reliance on traditional diesel generators.

Cities like Vancouver and London are also encouraging the industry to transition away from diesel generators by offering incentives for clean energy alternatives. Training programs and educational sessions are being conducted by Netflix and Disney to equip production crews with the skills and knowledge needed to adopt these new technologies effectively.

In conclusion, the efforts by Netflix and Disney to reduce fuel consumption and emissions on production sets are part of a broader industry-wide push towards sustainability. By investing in cleaner energy solutions and promoting the adoption of new technologies, these companies are setting a positive example for the future of film and television production.