iEDM driving energy innovation at the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix

The Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix has long been one of the world's most iconic motorsport events. But behind the scenes at Albert Park, a quiet transformation is underway — one focused on reducing carbon emissions, rethinking energy systems, and embedding sustainability into every stage of event delivery.

At the heart of this shift is a close collaboration between the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) and iEDM, the event's project management and engineering delivery partner. Under the leadership of AGPC Sustainability Manager Sarah Lowe, the Corporation has driven an ambitious sustainability agenda — and iEDM's team has been instrumental in turning that vision into on-the-ground results.
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Measuring What Matters

In 2024, iEDM and AGPC invested in 33 power monitors deployed across the Albert Park circuit to benchmark energy usage in detail. iEDM Technical Services Manager Kurt Gomes has played a key role in the energy program, working closely with AGPC to identify where emissions could be reduced and what technologies could be introduced.

"The monitors gave us clear information of where we could improve our emissions and the areas we could make targeted, strategic reductions — it's a collaborative and iterative  process of understanding what innovation and what technology we can implement at the event."

— Kurt Gomes, Technical Services Manager, iEDM

That single decision to measure power consumption unlocked a series of targeted initiatives that have transformed the event's energy profile.

Hydrogen Power — From Trial to Operation

One of the most visible steps forward has been the deployment of hydrogen generators at Albert Park. In 2025, the Australian Grand Prix used hydrogen fuel cell generators for the third consecutive year — powering the Innovation Hub and Pit Stop Park precincts.

The initiative reduced on-site diesel consumption by approximately 1,300 litres, using around 190 kilograms of hydrogen. The generators run silently and emit only water vapour — a significant improvement for both the environment and the fan experience.

"Energy and energy efficiency is a key area of opportunity for the Australian Grand Prix Corporation. However, implementing innovation and adopting new ideas cannot be done by ourselves. We work very closely with iEDM and Kurt Gomes." ‍

— Sarah Lowe, Senior Manager, Sustainability, Australian Grand Prix Corporation

Renewable Diesel — The Biggest Impact Yet

While hydrogen has captured attention, the single largest emissions reduction in 2025 came from a different fuel innovation: HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) renewable diesel. For the first time, approximately 40% of the Albert Park site was powered using renewable diesel — equating to 70,000 litres of HVO across the event.

HVO delivers approximately 80% fewer carbon emissions over its lifecycle compared to standard diesel, and critically, it's a drop-in replacement — meaning existing generator equipment can be used without modification. The deployment represents the largest renewable diesel rollout at any Australian major event, with plans to increase coverage by 20% per year towards a target of 100% HVO across the site.

Hybrid Generators, Solar and Green Power

The energy strategy extends well beyond fuel type. Over recent years, iEDM has progressively increased the deployment of hybrid and solar light towers across the circuit. In 2025, a significant number of additional battery and hybrid generators were introduced, further reducing the event's reliance on traditional diesel equipment. All grid-supplied electricity at Albert Park is sourced from 100% Certified Green Power — renewable energy from hydro, wind and solar sources.

A Partnership Driving Real Change

The progress at Albert Park reflects the strength of the partnership between AGPC and iEDM. With AGPC setting the sustainability direction and driving the ambition, iEDM's integrated delivery model ensures that innovation is implemented practically and at scale across one of Australia's most complex temporary event environments.

As Kurt Gomes notes, iEDM and AGPC have been working together to reduce carbon emissions and create a cleaner, more sustainable event — and the results speak for themselves. With hydrogen, renewable diesel, hybrid power and detailed energy monitoring now embedded in the event's DNA, the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix is setting a benchmark for sustainable major event delivery in Australia.

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