Smart tech cuts diesel use in SA film industry

Cinergy Mobile Power has launched South Africa’s first purpose-built smart, diesel-free mobile power solutions, introducing a new generation of clean, intelligent energy systems for film, television, and live outdoor events.

Designed to replace noisy, polluting diesel generators, Cinergy’s modular solar-hybrid and battery platforms deliver silent, cost-effective, zero-emissions, grid-independent power – with real-time monitoring and actionable data insights – without disrupting existing production or event workflows.

“Energy is now a strategic variable in production, influencing schedules, locations, sound quality, crew well-being, permitting, and budgets,” said Abe Cambridge, Co-Founder of Cinergy Mobile Power. “Our solutions provide a practical, low-emission alternative to diesel that integrates seamlessly into the way productions and event organisers already operate, offering reliability, reduced noise, and data-backed insights to maximise efficiency. With decades of experience in clean energy and logistics combined with our passion for film and live events, we want to help these industries meet the high standards audiences expect.”

A Critical Upgrade for South Africa’s Film and Events Sector

Globally, studios and live event producers are moving away from diesel to reduce emissions, lower costs, and improve logistical flexibility.

Cinergy now makes these benefits available locally. South Africa’s film industry is a significant economic contributor, supporting tens of thousands of jobs.

Reports from 2024 indicated ZAR 2.52 billion in foreign film production investment, with each Rand generating an additional R2.50 in economic activity. Power provision alone typically accounts for 10–15% of production budgets.

Rising diesel costs, regulatory complexity, and stricter sustainability expectations are putting pressure on the sector.

With increased sensitivity to noise and air pollution, clean and quiet mobile power is shifting from a sustainability preference to an operational necessity, ensuring South African productions remain globally competitive.

From Diesel to Smart Energy

Cinergy’s systems replace diesel generators with modular, scalable solar-hybrid and battery-based platforms suitable for small commercial shoots, large productions, and multi-stage outdoor festivals. Key features include:

• Silent, zero-emission operation at the point of use
• Remote monitoring and real-time optimisation
• Energy usage insights for greater efficiency
• Rapid deployment across multiple locations
• Low-maintenance, no refuelling required
• Seamless integration with existing workflows
• Comparable or lower costs than traditional diesel solutions

Proven in the Field

Cinergy systems are already delivering in demanding environments. A recent ITV Studios reality production in Mpumalanga used Cinergy’s fuel-free systems to power an outdoor studio—including lighting, air conditioning, and cameras – for a full week.

“Cinergy proved that clean power can be both practical and cost-effective on location, not just a sustainability goal,” said Phil Holdgate, Head of Production Sustainability, ITV Studios.

Cinergy also powered the 2025 AfrikaBurn festival in the Tankwa Karoo, supplying continuous energy for nearly six weeks in an off-grid desert setting.

The deployment reduced noise, emissions, and fuel logistics while providing valuable energy insights to organisers, demonstrating that smart mobile energy can reliably support large, complex events.

Backed by Climate Capital and Local Manufacturing

Cinergy’s expansion is supported by climate-focused venture capital firm Holocene, which invested approximately ZAR 8 million in the company.

“Cinergy replaces diesel generators with systems that are cleaner, quieter, and actually save money,” said Joshua Romisher, General Partner, Holocene Ventures. “With proven traction and a team that knows how to scale climate tech in Africa, we’re confident this is just the beginning.”

Cinergy’s systems use high-performance, locally manufactured batteries from Freedom Won, one of South Africa’s leading energy storage producers.

“South African engineering is powering a new category of clean mobile infrastructure,” said Antony English, CTO, Freedom Won. “Reliable diesel alternatives can now be developed and deployed at scale across Africa.”

Beyond Film and Events

While Cinergy’s primary focus is film and live events, its modular systems are also ideal for temporary power needs in agriculture, disaster relief, remote construction, and broadcast operations—sectors traditionally reliant on diesel generators.

About Cinergy Mobile Power

Cinergy provides smart, clean mobile energy solutions for film, television, live events, and other temporary power needs.

By combining modular solar-hybrid and battery systems with real-time monitoring and custom engineering, Cinergy replaces diesel generators with quieter, cleaner, and more reliable power – improving working conditions, reducing operating risk, and dramatically cutting emissions.

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