A new film starring Chinese-Irish actor Steven He will become the first production in Ireland to deploy hydrogen power units.
The social media star, who has more than 13 million YouTube subscribers, has been filming the supernatural action movie 'Kung Fu Deadly' in Co Meath and Dublin over the last six weeks.
Mr He, who moved to Ireland from China with his mother when he was eight years old, has enjoyed huge success online in recent years.
Now however, his new film is beginning to garner attention for other reasons, as the production will be powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology.
The production would traditionally have been heavily reliant on diesel generators to power the equipment, trucks, trailers, lighting, and camera gear but this film is breaking new ground.
"The units use fuel cell technology, converting clean hydrogen to electricity, and they can supply up to 250kW of clean power when required - with the only by-product being pure water," Enda Mitchell from ESB told RTÉ News on a set visit in Gormanston, Co Meath.
Hydrogen fuel cells produce electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen atoms.
The hydrogen reacts with oxygen across an electrochemical cell - similar to a battery - to produce electricity, water, and small amounts of heat.
"This is the first-time hydrogen power will be used on a film set in Ireland, and it is the result of a collaboration between the movie industry and ourselves," Mr Mitchell added.
The deployment of electrolysers (electricity and water to hydrogen) and fuel cells (hydrogen to electricity) enable the conversion process.
The technology is being rolled for 'Kung Fu Deadly' under the watchful eye of producer and writer Paddy McDonald, from Spellmaker productions.
"This is something I have been working on for a few years now," Mr McDonald explained.
"It just makes sense to me. This technology allows us to have a carbon neutral production, it also makes for a quieter set and is a more pleasant working environment for everyone," he said.
Mr McDonald explained that film sets are "very heavy on fuels such as diesel, so to have this green alternative is a great way for the industry to embrace new technologies".
"I’m enthusiastic about it and keen to see it rolled out more across film and TV sets," he added.
The technology is part of ESB’s 'hydrogen to power' demonstration programme project and the units were previously deployed at last year’s Amgen Irish Open at the Royal County Down Golf Club.
The project has been rolled out in partnership with GeoPura a UK-based renewable energy company.
Alexandra de Valera is the Director of Ecoscope and is a consultant in sustainability in the film industry.
She said: "Being involved on the first application of green hydrogen power at industry level has been one of my proudest experiences in the movie industry because we need to learn and invest in green technologies to actively make a difference."
Working as an associate producer on the film has given her an insight into the practical application of the technology.
Ms De Valera explained that the production has received funding from Screen Ireland, adding that she hopes "this serves as a model for future carbon reducing innovations and developments in the sector".
For the leading actor in the movie, Mr He, the impact of the Los Angeles fires earlier this year brought home the need to develop new environmentally friendly technology.
He said: "I was evacuated during the LA fires.
"The fire came within two blocks of my apartment, so when it hits you personally, it hits hard, so it really brought it home to me how important this kind of new green tech is.
"We are seeing some really cool stuff, cutting edge stuff here, and I am proud to be part of it.
"It’s an important message and I’m honoured to be part of a production that’s pushing the boundaries a little bit."
