Large-scale events, such as music festivals, sporting events, and conferences, require a significant amount of energy to operate. In the past, this energy was often generated by fossil fuels, leading to high greenhouse gas emissions and a negative impact on the environment. However, in recent years, there has been a shift towards using renewable energy to power these events. Renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, is becoming increasingly accessible and cost-effective, making it a viable option for large-scale events. In this article, we will explore how renewable energy is being used to power large-scale events and the benefits it provides to the environment, event organizers, and attendees.

Why do large scale events need to start shifting towards using renewables as an energy source?

Large-scale events, such as music festivals, sporting events, and conferences, require a significant amount of energy to operate. In the past, this energy was often generated by fossil fuels, which has a significant impact on the environment. Fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, are non-renewable resources that release large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases when burned. These emissions contribute to global warming, climate change, and other environmental problems.

As a result, large-scale events need to start shifting towards using renewables as an energy source to mitigate their environmental impact. Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, are clean, sustainable, and have a much lower carbon footprint than fossil fuels. By using renewable energy, large-scale events can significantly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and overall impact on the environment.

Furthermore, renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly accessible and cost-effective, making them a viable option for large-scale events. Advances in technology have made it possible to generate renewable energy on-site or connect to a local renewable energy grid. This means that large-scale events can now use renewable energy without sacrificing the energy output they need to operate.

What are some recent events making use of renewable energy sources?

Concerts/Festivals

Coldplay Music of the Spheres –

In their latest tour, Coldplay has prioritized the environment with three core principles: Reduce, by aiming to reduce tour carbon emissions by 50%; Reinvent, by supporting emerging green technologies; and Restore, by funding sustainability projects focused on nature and technology.

As part of their commitment to sustainability, Coldplay has introduced innovative features to their concert setup, such as kinetic dance floors and stationary bikes that can harness energy directly from the audience. This eco-friendly approach allows fans to engage in the show while also contributing to a greener future.

Lowlands Festival in the Netherlands –

For some time now, many big music festivals have been implementing alternative power sources to varying degrees. The Lowlands Festival in the Netherlands serves as an exemplary instance of this trend. The three-day event, located on the outskirts of Amsterdam, features an impressive lineup of alternative artists, including rock and pop stars, as well as world-renowned drum ‘n’ bass DJs. However, as Europe transitions towards renewable energy alternatives, the festival is striving to improve its environmental sustainability efforts, and has accomplished this with the unveiling of a remarkable solar car park.

This new solar car park is spearheading Lowlands’ mission towards sustainability. Encompassing 350,000 square metres and fitted with 90,000 solar panels, the car park can accommodate over 15,000 vehicles. As festival-goers park and enjoy the show, the solar carport is capable of generating up to 35 MWp (Megawatts-peak) of energy from the sun, simultaneously supplying enough power to sustain 10,000 households, or 100 Lowlands Festivals.

Jack Johnson –

Despite the laid-back and relaxed atmosphere projected by Jack Johnson’s beachy, chill soft-rock music, he is actively engaged in the fight against climate change. In fact, his 2022 tour is taking significant steps towards environmental sustainability, including the use of biofuel-powered transportation and donations to local environmental groups at every stop.

Furthermore, Johnson is urging venues to minimize the use of disposable plastics and other non-recyclable materials, and instead use recycled or reusable products. His team is also committed to using eco-friendly and sustainable materials for concert merchandise, while working with venues to maximize recycling and composting of waste.

Sport Events

The 2014 FIFA World Cup –

The 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil used solar energy to power the Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro. The stadium had 1,556 solar panels installed, which generated around 400,000 kWh of electricity per year.

Tokyo’s 2020 Green Olympics

A number of CO2 reduction measures were implemented, including energy saving, using existing venues and deploying fuel-efficient vehicles to reduce pollution. In addition, CO2 emissions from the Games fell by 800,000 tonnes due to the fact that the Games were held with almost no spectators.

How can events of any size become more sustainable?

Events of any size can become more sustainable by using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy. This can be achieved by connecting the event to the electrical grid and using variable renewable energy technologies to provide energy. In addition, the integration of variable renewable energy into the electrical grid can be achieved by working with grid operators and energy suppliers to balance supply and demand.

The use of renewable energy technologies can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. In particular, onshore and offshore wind power, solar power, geothermal energy, and marine energy can be used to supply sustainable energy to events of any size. The energy mix can also be optimized by using a combination of renewable energy sources to meet the energy requirements of the event.

The intermittent nature of renewable energy can affect the grid, but this can be addressed by integrating energy storage technologies and by using energy efficiency measures. Thermal energy can also be used for heating and cooling, reducing the amount of energy required from the electrical grid.

Furthermore, an energy tax can be imposed on the use of fossil fuel sources, which will provide an economic incentive to use renewable energy sources instead. The growth of renewable energy can also be incentivized by government policies and subsidies.

Due to economies of scale, much renewable energy can be generated at lower costs than existing fossil fuel plants. By providing energy from renewable sources, events of any size can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to the goal of achieving global electricity by 2030 through sustainable energy production:

Here are some further tips for venues of any size: