The pilot scheme will see productions plug into the grid rather than using diesel generators on site

Liverpool aims to become an unprecedently ‘clean’ production zone with a new initiative of ‘plug and play’ facilities planned for across the city centre.

The network could potentially transform film and TV shoots along with live events, creating a clean, creative production zone, with the hope that film crews and broadcasters will be able to plug straight into the grid, removing the need for diesel generators on-site.

Liverpool is the second most-filmed location outside London; the new ‘plug and play’ scheme that uses mains power would contribute to the city’s mission to decarbonise the creative sectors. Building on work already trialled on a smaller scale in London, Liverpool will collaborate on the pilot scheme with Ecotricity X Grid Faeries to explore the installation of power pillars.

The announcement comes ahead of the official launch of Liverpool as the world’s first UN Accelerator City for Climate Action this Friday (29 November).

Leader of Liverpool City Council, Councillor Liam Robinson, said: “This initiative is the first of a number of announcements which are connected to our new status as the world’s first UN Accelerator City.

“We are committed to being bold, ambitious and proactive in tackling climate change issues. While some of these initiatives may take time, they are central to us being presented this award by the UN, and our desire to pilot projects at speed which tackle emissions.

“We have the partners with the skills and experience we need to move this initiative forward and can’t wait to start working on it in the New Year.”

Keir Powell-Lewis, BFI head of environmental sustainability, added: “Finding ways for film and television productions to access clean energy and eliminate diesel generators on set is a major priority for the industry. Recommendations from the BFI-funded Screen New Deal Transformation Plan emphasise the need to collaborate to deliver infrastructural solutions at scale.

“We are excited to be to be working with ITV Studios and Ecotricity to explore how this can be rolled out for productions, music events, festivals, and communities across the UK.”