Amgen Irish Open Swings Toward Sustainability with Event Broadcast Powered by Green Hydrogen
The prestigious Amgen Irish Open, one of the oldest and most celebrated golf tournaments in Europe, is set to become the first sporting event in Ireland to power its live television production and global broadcast exclusively with green hydrogen. European Tour Productions, the DP World Tour’s in-house production company, and its exclusive production and distribution partner, IMG, have collaborated with, ESB, the Electricity Supply Board in Ireland, UK-based clean energy company GeoPura, and specialist TV hire company FTVS to deliver a broadcast with zero harmful emissions.
Two Hydrogen Power Units (HPUs) are being used to power the event’s broadcast coverage, producing zero CO2 or particulate emissions with water the only by-product. This transition is supported locally by ESB and is part of its broader strategy to showcase the versatility of hydrogen fuel cell technology across various applications in Ireland’s energy mix. Developed by GeoPura, HPUs utilise green hydrogen to produce clean electricity, eliminating the carbon emissions associated with power generation. This not only reduces the broadcast’s carbon footprint but also eliminates both air and noise pollution, creating a healthier and more pleasant experience for players, attendees and staff nearby.
This initiative follows the successful deployment of green hydrogen technology at the 2023 BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club, reflecting the DP World Tour’s commitment to sustainability through its “Green Drive” strategy, which aims for net zero carbon emissions by 2040.
David Mould, Director of Live Television at the DP World Tour, said:
Adopting green hydrogen for the Amgen Irish Open is a significant milestone in the European Tour Group’s quest to achieve a Net Zero carbon emissions by 2040 and a first in Ireland.
“Hydrogen power represents the future of energy in live broadcasting, offering a resilient, zero-emissions solution. This initiative sets a new standard for sustainable sports broadcasting, and we look forward to our first fully green hydrogen powered Amgen Irish Open at Royal County Down this week.”
Sally Wood, VP and Head of Golf Content at IMG, added:
We’re always looking at ways that we can improve the sustainability of our live event production,
“while also supporting clients with their own green initiatives. IMG and European Tour Productions have continued to show how hydrogen power can be successfully integrated to deliver world class broadcast coverage with a lower impact on the environment.”
Jim Dollard, ESB Executive Director, Generation and Trading David Watson, General Manager of Film and TV Services, commented:
We are delighted to champion the use of green hydrogen at the Amgen Irish Open, in alignment with our commitment to achieving zero carbon emissions by 2040. This initiative will enhance our understanding of the role green hydrogen will play in the net zero energy system and how it can be harnessed to benefit the environment, the sports industry, and the community at large.
“This innovative approach ensures that the coverage remains high quality while aligning with our commitment to achieving zero emissions. Combined with our other sustainable solutions, we’re excited to include this technology in our provision and further demonstrate its potential to revolutionise how large-scale live events are powered.”
Tiffany Scott, CMO at GeoPura, emphasised the impact of green hydrogen technology:
HPUs offer a clean, reliable power source that transforms live sports events. By eliminating carbon, air, and noise pollution, we create a better experience for all—players, spectators, and staff—while contributing to a healthier planet. The fact that the only output is water, which could even be used to water the course, underscores the versatility and sustainability of this technology.
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Amgen Irish Open Swings Toward Sustainability with Event Broadcast Powered by Green Hydrogen, source
