Powering the Set: How Renewable Nanogrids Can Support Sustainable TV and Movie Productions

Key Takeaways

• Film and TV sets often rely on diesel generators, which produce emissions and noise.
• Mobile renewable nanogrids offer a portable, clean energy solution, using solar and hydrogen to meet production power needs.
• These units reduce health risks, sound pollution, and fuel logistics challenges, improving overall set conditions.
• Major studios are adopting clean energy systems to meet internal emissions goals and respond to audience expectations.
• Clean power is increasingly a practical choice, not just an ethical one, for today’s entertainment productions.

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The Push for Cleaner Energy on Set

As major studios like Netflix and Disney work to phase out diesel generators on film and TV sets, there’s increasing focus on how productions can maintain high energy demands without relying on polluting fuel sources. Diesel generators are a staple in the industry—but they come with environmental, operational, and health trade-offs.

Replacing them with portable, clean energy systems is more than an environmental gesture—it’s a move toward operational efficiency, health-conscious workplaces, and energy independence. Enter mobile renewable nanogrids: compact, rapidly deployable energy units powered by solar and clean hydrogen sources, ideal for remote, outdoor, or on-the-go filming.

What Are Mobile Nanogrids?

Sesame Solar's Renewable Mobile Nanogrids may offer a critical solution in the environmental initiative of Netflix and Disney to eliminate diesel generators on TV and movie sets. Mobile nanogrids are self-contained systems that generate, store, and distribute power using clean energy sources like solar and hydrogen. They are designed to operate off-grid and can be transported to different locations—making them a powerful alternative to noisy, fuel-burning generators.

Key features of systems like Sesame Solar’s Nanogrids include:

• Fast deployment (setup by one person in under 15 minutes)
• Solar power as primary input with green hydrogen backup
• Zero emissions at point of use
• Low-noise operation, which is beneficial for sound-sensitive environments like film sets

These systems have already proven effective in emergency response deployments—now, they’re being explored as an innovative power solution for the entertainment industry.

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Why TV and Movie Sets Are Looking for Diesel Alternatives

Film and TV productions require a lot of electricity—to power lighting, cameras, trailers, catering, HVAC systems, and communications gear. Traditionally, diesel generators filled that gap, especially in remote or temporary locations. However, this approach has several downsides:

1. Emissions and Air Quality

Diesel generators emit particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide. On enclosed or dense sets, this can degrade air quality and pose health risks to cast and crew.

2. Noise Pollution

High-decibel engine noise is disruptive for on-set audio recording and requires post-production cleanup. Silent or near-silent clean power options reduce this problem entirely.

3. Fuel Logistics

Transporting and storing diesel adds cost, risk, and complexity. Clean systems powered by sunlight and hydrogen reduce or eliminate this need.

4. Environmental and Consumer Pressure

As audience and investor expectations shift toward sustainability, studios that adopt responsible practices improve their public image and industry leadership.

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How Renewable Nanogrids Work on Set

Nanogrids like those developed by Sesame Solar are built for fast, flexible deployment. Here’s how they function in entertainment production:

• Solar panels unfold on-site to begin capturing energy immediately.
• Energy is stored in onboard batteries, providing consistent power for hours or days depending on the application.
• Green hydrogen acts as backup, keeping operations running during low-sunlight periods.
• Units can be moved and redeployed as production moves between locations.

These systems can support lighting rigs, production trailers, makeup and costume stations, base camps, and more. They’re especially valuable for multi-location shoots or international productions operating far from established infrastructure.

Implementation Tips for Studios

Successfully transitioning to clean mobile power on set requires more than just equipment—it involves planning, coordination, and a shift in production workflows. Here’s how studios and production teams can streamline the adoption process:

Energy Mapping

Before deploying a clean power solution, conduct a comprehensive energy audit of your typical production needs. This includes assessing power loads for lighting, grip equipment, hair and makeup trailers, video village, camera stations, and HVAC systems. Energy mapping ensures you understand peak and off-peak consumption patterns, helping you avoid underpowered configurations or unnecessary overprovisioning. Software tools and smart meters can help log real-time data during test shoots or past productions for better estimation.

Nanogrid Sizing

Not all productions require the same amount of power. A commercial shoot might need just one unit, while a feature film on location could require multiple linked nanogrids. Work closely with the equipment provider to determine the best configuration based on your mapped usage. Consider battery capacity, solar panel output, and backup duration—especially if you're shooting in low-light environments or at night.

Crew Training

While clean mobile power systems are designed to be user-friendly, proper training reduces risks, increases system uptime, and boosts confidence among crew. Training should cover setup, system monitoring, basic troubleshooting, and safety protocols. Ideally, training is done in pre-production to avoid downtime once filming begins. Having a point person or “green power lead” on set can help facilitate adoption and daily oversight.

Transport Planning

Nanogrids are mobile—but that doesn’t mean they’re plug-and-play without logistics. Include power equipment in your broader transport and production timeline. Factor in weight, towing requirements, terrain, and clearance issues, especially when filming in national parks, rugged locations, or urban areas with limited access. Pre-arranged storage and staging areas can also help with overnight security and charging.

Performance Review

After each deployment, conduct a post-mortem focused on energy use and performance. How much solar energy was captured? Were there any periods of downtime or backup fuel use? Use this data to optimize future setups, identify new energy-saving opportunities, and refine the power strategy across multiple projects. Insights from these reviews can also support internal sustainability reporting and meet industry-wide emissions reduction targets.

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Benefits Beyond the Environment

The advantages of switching to renewable nanogrids go well beyond just reducing emissions. Clean mobile power directly enhances the quality, safety, and reputation of a production—and creates long-term efficiencies that improve the bottom line.

Quiet Power = Cleaner Sound Capture

Diesel generators produce significant background noise, often forcing crews to halt shooting or fix audio in post-production. Mobile nanogrids operate almost silently, creating an environment where dialogue, ambient sounds, and music can be captured cleanly—saving time, money, and creative energy during editing.

No Fuel Spills = Safer Work Environments

Diesel generators require onsite fuel storage and frequent refueling—introducing fire risks, toxic fumes, and hazardous material handling. Clean energy systems, powered by solar and battery storage, eliminate those risks. This creates a safer environment for crew, cast, and location owners—particularly in sensitive natural or residential areas.

Brand Visibility = A Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability

Studios and production companies that prioritize clean energy send a clear message to the public, investors, and industry partners: they are serious about reducing environmental impact. Showcasing clean energy adoption in press releases, behind-the-scenes content, and ESG reports enhances brand value and aligns with consumer expectations.

Better ROI = Long-Term Cost Reduction

Though the upfront cost of renewable mobile power may be higher than renting diesel generators, long-term operational savings are significant. You eliminate fluctuating fuel costs, reduce transport and maintenance expenses, and gain access to possible clean energy incentives or tax credits. Over multiple productions, clean power becomes not only sustainable—but financially smart.

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FAQ Section

1. Why are studios looking to replace diesel generators?

Studios are shifting away from diesel because these generators emit air pollutants and create significant noise, both of which affect health, safety, and production quality. They also require complex fuel logistics and present fire hazards when stored improperly. Clean mobile power offers a safer, more cost-effective alternative. By switching to renewable systems like nanogrids, productions can improve working conditions, reduce downtime, and meet internal sustainability targets. This transition also supports a cleaner public image and satisfies growing pressure from stakeholders and audiences to reduce environmental impact.

2. How do mobile nanogrids support large-scale film productions?

Mobile nanogrids are scalable—meaning multiple units can be used together to meet the electricity demand of even large sets. They can power everything from lighting to trailers to sound systems. These units are compact, trailer-based, and designed for easy transport between locations. Setup can be handled by a small crew with minimal training, and once deployed, they operate quietly and with no emissions at the point of use. This makes them ideal for productions in natural parks, deserts, islands, or urban centers where traditional grid access or fuel transport is challenging.

3. Are renewable power systems cost-effective for movie sets?

Yes—especially over the long term. While the upfront investment in mobile renewable systems may be higher than renting a diesel generator, the ongoing savings on fuel and maintenance can be substantial. Clean energy systems have fewer moving parts, generate less wear and tear, and often qualify for rebates or clean energy tax credits. Additionally, using them can reduce costs related to air filtration, sound remediation, and fuel transport logistics. For multi-week or repeat location shoots, the cost savings can become evident in just a few productions.

4. Can mobile nanogrids operate at night or in bad weather?

Yes. While solar panels are the primary energy source, nanogrids also include battery storage and often green hydrogen backup systems. This dual approach ensures uninterrupted power even when the sun isn’t shining. Energy collected during the day is stored in high-capacity batteries and can be used during nighttime filming or overcast days. Some configurations also allow for modular expansion, meaning multiple units can be daisy-chained to increase capacity based on set requirements. This resilience makes them a dependable choice even in unpredictable filming environments.

5. How can studios begin integrating clean power into productions?

Studios can start by conducting an energy audit of typical production needs—lighting, trailers, air conditioning, etc.—and matching that to available nanogrid or clean power technologies. Partnering with providers who offer training, setup support, and monitoring services can ease the transition. Some studios have begun integrating mobile nanogrids during select location shoots before scaling their use across all productions. Building internal green teams and collaborating with industry cohorts, like the Clean Mobile Power Initiative launched by Netflix and Disney, can also provide structure and momentum. Over time, these technologies will become just another standard item on the production checklist.

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