We’ve all heard of the potential for hydrogen as a green fuel: made by splitting water into its 2 components, its only emission when used as fuel is water vapour. Imagine a world free of planet-warming diesel, gas and oil fumes! That potential may not be as far into the future as you think. There are currently some 300 hydrogen-powered cars in the Lower Mainland as well as a fleet of Class 8 heavy-duty hydrogen trucks on the road now. Burnaby is widely known as a clean tech hub for hydrogen fuel cell companies, and there are at least 5 light-duty vehicle hydrogen filling stations across BC.

The really exciting news is that two local companies are both working on their own versions of hydrogen-powered generators specifically for the motion picture industry. Replacing diesel generators on set will be a game changer: power generation with zero emissions and very little noise. Both companies say the cost of hydrogen is now on par with diesel. Teralta, based in Burnaby, partnered with a local production company, Crawford Filmworks in 2022 to pilot one of their units on set. (Crawford has since joined forces with DGC BC Production Manager Member Matt Drake to form Moon7 Films). Teralta’s model has now evolved further and they’re in talks with local equipment rental houses to get them out on sets soon.

Check out this short video clip of their first pilot project.

Meanwhile, another BC-based contender is H2 Portable, with their own prototype having just completed the certification process for use. Their Film Genset Trailer is a hydrogen-electric generator designed to be equivalent in size and power to a 100kw diesel genny. Working closely with local rental houses, they are also aiming to get their unit on set for testing this spring/summer. 

Pictured is a sneak peak at what that looks like! 

Once these units are trialled on set there will inevitably still be a few logistical details to work out, regarding the quantities of hydrogen required and methods of delivery and refuelling. By being open to innovation and willing to try new clean tech, the BC motion picture industry can now hope to kick its dirty diesel habit in the not-so-distant future. Lights, camera, climate action!

Annabelle Wilczur
Assistant Business Agent and Sustainability Lead