Vattenfall batteries secure fossil-free electricity for Way Out West festival

Since the start in 2007, sustainability has been a central part of the Way Out West festival. As a Smart Energy Partner, Vattenfall is providing energy solutions for stages, lighting and other parts of the festival site. At the same time, there remains a focus on energy efficiency to reduce the festival’s climate impact.

“Many people have come to realise that the way electricity is produced and used really does matter,“ says Jens Berggren, Climate Coach at Vattenfall. “Way Out West demonstrates that large public events and high sustainability ambitions can go hand in hand. With fossil-free electricity from wind power and batteries that can provide backup during peak demand, the energy solution becomes both more robust and more resource-efficient. It’s fantastic to be able to work with Way Out West on their sustainability journey while we also can raise awareness about electricity in our everyday lives,”

Batteries supply the main stage

In addition to the fossil-free electricity supplied by Vattenfall, electricity is stored in five large batteries on the festival site, with a combined capacity of around 1,000 kWh. During the festival, power demand varies significantly and the batteries are used to manage peak loads, including to ensure that the festival’s main stage, can be powered by fossil-free electricity throughout the festival.

The festival takes place over a limited period, and electricity consumption at major events such as Way Out West is often very complex.

“We are always looking to develop Way Out West, and one of our key objectives is to reduce our carbon footprint,” says Patrik Fredriksson, Festival Director at Way Out West. “Together with Vattenfall, we are working actively and with a long-term perspective to take our entire energy strategy to the next level. All the electricity we draw from the grid will therefore be completely fossil-free, and entirely renewable from wind power. We will also focus on improving efficiency and reducing the festival’s electricity consumption. It feels fantastic to have Vattenfall on board with all the unique expertise they possess,”

Among the largest in northern Europe

Way Out West is one of the largest music festivals in Northern Europe, held every August in Gothenburg, Sweden. The festival has built an international reputation for combining major global artists with a strong focus on sustainability, including a fully vegetarian festival menu. This year the headline acts include Nick Cave, Lorde, Moby and Swedish Zara Larsson.

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