F1 Teams Up with Aggreko to Power European Grand Prix Races with Low-Carbon Energy Solutions
Formula 1, a sport synonymous with high speeds and fuel-hungry machines, is undergoing a significant transformation. With a bold goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030, F1 is leveraging its innovative spirit to lead the charge towards sustainability. A crucial part of this journey is its new partnership with Aggreko, a leader in mobile and modular energy solutions, to deliver low-carbon energy at European Grands Prix. This collaboration marks a pivotal step in F1's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and showcasing sustainable practices on a global stage.
F1’s Net Zero Ambition
Historically, Formula 1 has been a sport where cutting-edge technology and high-octane performance take centre stage. However, with the growing global emphasis on environmental responsibility, F1 is now channelling its innovative prowess towards sustainability. The sport has already influenced road car technology, introducing advancements such as hybrid drivetrains and carbon fibre chassis. Now, F1 is turning its attention to making the sporting events themselves more eco-friendly.
F1’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030 is ambitious, targeting emissions from travel, logistics, and energy use at race events. A key element of this strategy is transitioning to renewable energy sources. The partnership with Aggreko is a testament to this commitment, focusing on reducing the carbon footprint of European Grands Prix, which are some of the sport’s most-watched events.
The Aggreko Partnership: A Step Towards Sustainable Racing
Aggreko, renowned for its expertise in delivering power solutions in challenging environments, plays a vital role in F1's sustainability mission. The collaboration began with a pilot project at the 2023 Austrian Grand Prix, where F1 introduced a centralised power generation system powered by renewable energy sources such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), biofuel, solar panels, and battery storage. The results were remarkable, with the event achieving over a 90% reduction in carbon emissions compared to the previous year.
Buoyed by this success, the system was further tested at the Red Bull Ring and the 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix. These trials consistently demonstrated significant carbon reductions, leading to the decision to implement the centralised power system across all European Grands Prix from 2025 onwards. This system will eliminate the need for individual teams and stakeholders to bring their own generators, ensuring sufficient power for all operational areas throughout the race weekend.
Ellen Jones, Head of ESG at Formula 1, highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, "The entire paddock is part of our net zero by 2030 commitment. Solutions like the low-carbon energy generation system combine technological innovation with coordinated action. In practice, this means that we can achieve significant carbon reductions in this space — and we look forward to continuing to showcase how we can deliver more sustainable events."
Aggreko’s Role in F1’s Broader Sustainability Efforts
Aggreko's role in F1’s sustainability efforts mirrors its ongoing work with Formula E, where the company is focused on reducing emissions by 45% across Scopes 1, 2, and 3 by 2030. The experience and expertise Aggreko brings to F1 will be instrumental in driving the sport's green initiatives forward, ensuring that the ambitious targets set by the organisation are met.
Aggreko’s Robert Wells, President of Aggreko Europe and Aggreko Event Services, emphasised the company’s commitment to supporting F1’s sustainability goals. "As a global leader, we have an important role to play in the energy transition, and we’re thrilled that Formula 1 has chosen Aggreko to help them on their journey to be carbon net zero by 2030. We look forward to continuing to work with Formula 1 and together energising change for a positive future."
F1’s Broader Green Initiatives
In addition to its partnership with Aggreko, F1 is exploring other avenues to reduce its environmental impact. By 2026, F1 aims to have all cars on the grid powered by 100% sustainable fuel, a groundbreaking step that could have far-reaching implications beyond the sport. This pioneering 'drop-in' fuel, compatible with most road cars, promises to reduce the carbon footprint of millions of vehicles worldwide.
F1 is also optimising its logistics to cut emissions. The sport is increasingly using biofuel-powered trucks and relying on sea freight instead of aviation, which has already led to significant reductions in carbon emissions.
A Greener Future for F1
These initiatives reflect F1's dedication to not only maintaining the thrill of racing but doing so in a way that respects the environment. The developments pioneered by F1, from sustainable fuel to low-carbon energy systems, have the potential to extend beyond the racetrack, offering sustainable solutions for other industries worldwide.
As F1 accelerates towards its 2030 net zero goal, partnerships like the one with Aggreko will be crucial in steering the sport—and the world—towards a more sustainable future.
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