Powering a Net Zero Future at the Urdd Eisteddfod
At PDR, we’re passionate about design that drives real-world impact—and few projects embody that better than our recent collaboration with Afanti Media Ltd. on the Greening The Screen (GTS) R&D sessions, supported by Ffilm Cymru Wales and Media Cymru.
Earlier this month, we had the privilege of visiting the Urdd Gobaith Cymru Eisteddfod, the largest youth festival in Europe, where Afanti launched Afango, a new initiative aimed at empowering film and TV for a net zero future.
A Live Broadcast Powered by Clean Energy
For seven days, Afanti powered their production for S4C through a combination of:
- Hydrogen generators using Welsh green hydrogen (created in Baglan Bay from renewable energy).
- Advanced battery systems
- Mobile EV charging infrastructure
- Responsibly sourced HVO biofuel
This wasn’t just a technical trial—it was a full-scale, real-world deployment of sustainable production power. The result? A quieter, cleaner, and more efficient broadcast that achieved record-breaking viewership at the event—proof that sustainable production doesn’t mean compromising on performance.
“Proud to announce the launch of Afango… where we powered our TV studio with zero-emission green hydrogen throughout the 7-day live broadcast on S4C. Special thanks to Lynne Toogood, James Edwards, and the inspiring team at PDR, Alacrity, and Media Cymru.”
Emyr Afan | CEO | Afanti Media
PDR’s Role and What Comes Next
At PDR, we’re proud to play a small part in this transformative journey. Our involvement in the GTS Development programme reflects our commitment to supporting innovation that’s not only technically excellent but socially and environmentally impactful.
The insights and data gathered from this pilot will feed into their solutions responding to Screen New Deal: Transformation Plan for Wales, which prioritises:
- A shift to renewable energy
- Improved data and information sharing
- Culture change across the production sector
We’re especially looking forward to unpacking the findings in our upcoming session.
Looking Ahead
Visits like this are a powerful reminder of what’s possible when creativity, collaboration, and sustainability come together. We’re always happy to stand in the rain if it means seeing the future of design and production in action.
To all our partners: more site visits, please. Let’s keep building a better, more sustainable future—together.
Jo Ward, Senior Designer – Researcher, PDR
"Working with Osian on Afanti’s Media Cymru Development and GTS projects, we are always impressed by the level of detail and the learnings taken on board as a company. As we’ve seen across many of our sustainability projects, measurement of impact can be difficult, and data can be challenging to gather.
Osian takes into account the data collection from the tech and the people involved in production from the start and through multiple collection points, providing Afanti with the best possible position to integrate the feedback and findings into the next stage of work.
The site visit and willingness to share the process with others in production demonstrates the connectedness and transparency needed to respond to the Transformation Plan for Wales.
Rydyn ni mor falch i gefnogi y proces o YaD gyda phrosiectau Datblygu Gwyrddio'r Sgrin."