Irish Film Industry Goes Green: Hydrogen Power Takes Centre Stage in Steven He’s Latest Film

Introduction

Ireland is known worldwide for its lush countryside, picturesque villages, and the vibrant streets of Dublin—all regularly featured in memorable films and TV shows. But now, something just as exciting is happening off-screen: Ireland’s film industry is stepping forward with an inspiring commitment to sustainability, introducing hydrogen-powered generators for the first time ever on an Irish film set.

A Groundbreaking Production in the Making

Right now, filming is underway for an eagerly anticipated Irish movie starring the talented Chinese-Irish actor Steven He. However, this film won’t just be remembered for its captivating story or exceptional acting—it will also be recognised as Ireland’s very first film production powered by hydrogen technology, replacing the traditional diesel generators typically found humming behind the scenes.

This innovative step marks a big change for the Irish film industry, challenging the idea that film sets must rely on polluting fuels to meet their energy demands. Instead, the crew are pioneering a cleaner, greener way of making films—a move that’s as creative as it is practical.

Why Does Hydrogen Power Matter? Let’s Talk Numbers

Film productions traditionally rely heavily on diesel generators, which come with significant environmental consequences. In fact, the average feature-length film generates around 500 tonnes of CO₂ emissions—to put that into perspective, that’s roughly equivalent to the annual carbon emissions from around 100 petrol-powered cars. And across the water in the UK, film and TV productions collectively produce about 840,000 tonnes of CO₂ each year, much of which comes directly from these diesel-fuelled generators.

Enter hydrogen-powered generators. Unlike their diesel counterparts, hydrogen generators release zero carbon emissions, producing only water vapour as their by-product. That means no harmful emissions, no pollutants, and cleaner air for everyone involved—cast, crew, and local communities alike.

County Meath and Dublin Leading the Way

Filming has already started in County Meath’s scenic countryside and Dublin’s bustling city centre—both beloved by filmmakers for their unique charm and character. But beyond their visual appeal, these locations are now becoming leaders in sustainability by successfully hosting Ireland’s first hydrogen-powered film set.

What’s especially exciting about this is that it demonstrates how easily green technology can fit into everyday filming activities. It proves that filmmakers don’t have to compromise creativity for sustainability. County Meath and Dublin have set a brilliant example, showing that clean energy can seamlessly power productions, whether filming occurs in a tranquil rural landscape or a busy urban setting.

Actor Steven He Brings Star Power to Sustainability

Steven He’s involvement in this landmark project offers another layer of inspiration. Known for his captivating performances, Steven is also becoming a prominent advocate for sustainability behind the scenes. By lending his name and support to the project, he’s helping draw attention to the importance of eco-friendly filmmaking.

This kind of celebrity advocacy matters, as it encourages others in the industry—and audiences at large—to recognise that sustainability is something everyone can support. After all, when respected figures like Steven champion sustainability, the message becomes even more powerful.

Ireland’s Commitment to a Greener Future

This isn’t a standalone event—it’s part of a wider trend. Ireland has already established itself as a global leader in adopting renewable energy. Hydrogen energy, specifically, has become a key area of interest worldwide, with the global hydrogen market, valued at around €1.1 billion in 2020, expected to nearly double by 2030.

This innovative film production aligns with Ireland’s broader goals of sustainability and renewable energy adoption, positioning the country as a frontrunner in green technology. And this initiative shows just how impactful Ireland’s creative industries can be, potentially inspiring broader changes across other sectors too.

Setting New Standards for Sustainable Film Production

The success of this hydrogen-powered film could very well set a new benchmark for sustainability across the global film industry. Recently, similar international projects have successfully utilised hydrogen generators, reliably powering film sets with substantial clean energy—sometimes more than 200kVA of power. These examples prove it’s not just possible but entirely practical.

Imagine if productions across Ireland and internationally followed this lead. We could dramatically cut emissions, improve air quality, and accelerate the industry’s journey towards global sustainability goals.

Conclusion

As we eagerly await the release of Steven He’s latest film, there’s more reason to celebrate than just its cinematic achievements. This production represents something bigger: a shift towards environmentally responsible filmmaking.

Ireland’s film industry is already celebrated globally for its creativity and storytelling. Now, with initiatives like this, it could also be known as a leader in sustainable practices, demonstrating clearly that the future of filmmaking can—and should—be green.

Stay tuned as this exciting journey unfolds, and let’s celebrate Ireland’s inspiring step toward sustainability—both on and off screen.

*By Anne Hayden MSc., Founder, The Informed Farmer Consultancy.