First Irish film uses hydrogen power for production

A new film called "Kung Fu Deadly," featuring Chinese-Irish actor Stephen He, is making history in Ireland. It is the first film production in the country to use hydrogen power. The filming has taken place over the past six weeks in County Meath and Dublin. Stephen He is well-known online, with over 13 million subscribers on YouTube. Now, his film is drawing attention for its innovative energy use. Traditionally, film sets rely on diesel generators for power. However, "Kung Fu Deadly" is utilizing hydrogen fuel cell technology. This technology converts clean hydrogen into electricity, producing only pure water as a by-product. According to Enda Mitchell from ESB Networks, the hydrogen units can provide up to 250kW of clean power. The hydrogen reacts with oxygen in a process similar to how batteries work. This marks a significant shift in the film industry's approach to energy consumption. Producer and writer Paddy McDonald believes this technology offers a carbon-neutral alternative that creates a quieter and more enjoyable work environment. He is enthusiastic about its potential for broader use in the film and TV industries. The project is part of ESB's hydrogen demonstration program and was previously tested at the Amgen Irish Open. Collaboration with the UK-based company GeoPura has also played a role in this initiative. Alexandra de Valera, a sustainability consultant in the film industry, expressed pride in helping to implement green hydrogen power. She hopes this project serves as a model for future environmental improvements in filmmaking. For Stephen He, personal experiences with environmental challenges, like the recent fires in Los Angeles, emphasize the importance of adopting innovative green technologies. He is proud to participate in a project pushing boundaries in environmental responsibility.