In what’s described as a disruptive initiative for the event industry, Morillo Energy Rent, with over 60 years of experience delivering energy solutions, has successfully implemented an innovative energy solution at the Primavera Sound 2024 (Barcelona) music festival, “setting new standards for large-scale events,” according to an announcement from industrial firm Atlas Copco
Faced with the challenge of overhauling the energy consumption model for one of the world’s most anticipated music festivals, Morillo leveraged its expertise in energy management to introduce a combination of battery-based energy storage systems (ESS) and low-consumption Stage V power generators, depending on the specific needs and available resources. This strategic approach enabled the effective provision of energy across various areas of the event, including performance stages, catering, and production.
A key innovation in the project was the use of the recently released ZBP 120-120 and ZBC 250-575 energy storage systems from Atlas Copco in a hybrid solution with power generators, which were instrumental in achieving the project’s ambitious goals. These battery-based units offered advanced features such as remote management capabilities, allowing for centralized control and swift incident prediction and response. They feature a remote two-way connection to the machines and the grid available onsite, ensuring monitoring of the application to reach the highest efficiencies.
All Atlas Copco ESS solutions come with their proprietary energy management system, the ECO ControllerTM, which monitors and oversees the installation to ensure the best performance possible. The innovative controller integrates performance data to optimize energy generation, distribution, and consumption, seamlessly communicating with all components in the installation, including inverters, batteries, solar charge controllers, energy meters, as well as third-party equipment such as generators or loads. The result was a significant reduction in overall fuel consumption, enhanced efficiency, and a notable improvement in the event’s sustainability profile.
“The successful implementation of pioneering energy solutions at Primavera Sound 2024 is a testament to Morillo’s dedication to innovation and our commitment to making a positive impact on the environment,” said Miguel Ángel Artiel Morillo, Technical Director at Morillo Energy Rent. “By working closely with our partners and leveraging the latest technology, we were able to meet the challenge head-on and deliver a solution that sets a new benchmark for the industry.”
The partnership with Atlas Copco played a crucial role in the project’s success, providing Morillo with access to cutting-edge products and collaborative support in designing solutions to new challenges. This collaboration underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in achieving operational goals and meeting environmental regulations.
Diego Moreno, Business Development Manager at Atlas Copco Power and Flow explains, “We stand at the forefront of innovation, pioneering the integration of battery technology within the event sector across Europe and particularly in the South European region. This strategic move signifies a leap towards more efficient and cost-effective operations. Our collaboration with Morillo has been instrumental in this endeavor, setting a new benchmark for excellence and partnership in the industry.”
Primavera Sound is an international music festival that started in Barcelona in 2001. This year’s edition has gathered over 268,000 attendees from 134 different nations, with a record impact of 200 million euros on the town’s economy. Additionally, it takes place in five more cities across the world (Porto, Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Asunción, and Montevideo), witnessing not only a revolution in power supply approaches but also setting a precedent for future events worldwide.
By prioritizing sustainability and efficiency, Morillo Energy Rent and Primavera Sound have displayed the tangible benefits of adopting disruptive technologies in the entertainment sector, inspiring others to follow suit. For example, during the summer of 2024, Morillo Energy Rent will introduce Atlas Copco’s energy solutions in some of the most prominent events in Spain, such as Festival Cruilla, Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix, Icónica Sevilla Fest, Mallorca Live Fest, Afterlife OFF Week Barcelona, and Monegros Desert Festival, among others.
