F1 set to debut a revolutionary energy generation system in Austria
Marking the latest innovation by the sport to introduce more sustainable solutions as part of its efforts to reach Net Zero by 2030, Formula 1 and DHL have today announced.
The trial is being rolled out as F1 continues to explore sustainable solutions to power events in the future, as part of its wider strategy to reach Net Zero by 2030. The sport has already introduced several initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint through operation changes and technological innovations.
This includes the DHL’s new biofueled trucks which deliver the European leg of the 2023 season and are expected to achieve a reduction of 60% compared to the use of traditional fuel. Moreover, the use of biofuels to power the ETC, TV compound and the rest of the technical generators are planned at nine races throughout this season. The trial of a battery power solution for the TV compound at the Spanish Grand Prix resulted in a 42% reduction in energy generated from diesel, reducing the generator run time from 24 hours to approximately 3 hours per day.
At Round 9 of the 2023 FIA Formula One World Championship, a low-carbon system will be used to power all garages and motorhomes belonging to F1, F1 Teams, and the FIA, as well as the Pit Wall, the Timing Room, and the Formula 1 Event Technical Centre (ETC) where the at-track broadcast operations are housed. The new energy system is expected to lead to an estimated 90% carbon reduction of the operation of Paddock, Pitlane and F1 broadcast area, in comparison to last year’s Austrian Grand Prix.
The revolutionary energy system is set to produce enough energy to meet peak and continuous demand over the race weekend and will be powered by more sustainable sources, including a hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) biofuel and 600m2 of solar panels on the inner field of the final corner at the Red Bull Ring, that will provide an estimated 2.5MWh of energy across the event.
Head of ESG Ellen Jones commented: “Formula 1's approach to driving innovation that creates meaningful impact and influence on the wider world goes beyond hybrid engines and sustainable fuels.
“This approach drives everything we do including how we run our own operations, and the trial in Austria is the latest example of this, demonstrating the commitment from Formula 1 and key stakeholders to develop new ways of working. Using the latest technology and innovations, we’re continuing to explore new opportunities to deliver events in a more sustainable way to reduce our carbon footprint.”
F1’s Logistics Director Ian Stone said: “This energy trial is the latest push for more sustainable operations, which feeds into our overall goal of being Net Zero by 2030 and shows the desire across the paddock from key stakeholders, who have bought into the ambition and understanding of why it is important too.
“There’s not only the obvious benefit of reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions, but logistically it offers us the opportunity to create a more streamlined approach to powering Grand Prix events.”
