Pukkelpop, a pioneer in sustainability for many years, is making a groundbreaking step by becoming the first major festival in Belgium to fully power all generators, forklifts, and site buggies with Blue Diesel 100. This liquid fuel is a significantly more sustainable alternative, achieving up to a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to traditional liquid fuels. Since three-quarters of the ecological footprint at festivals comes from generators, this switch is particularly meaningful.
Tom Lambert, CEO of supplier Comfort Energy, states: "We are extremely proud that Pukkelpop, a festival so close to our headquarters, is the first in Belgium to switch to Blue Diesel. Festivals like Pukkelpop, which have a temporary setup and teardown, are forced to work with mobile energy sources. In this context, generators are a widely used and convenient solution due to their flexibility and reliability. By switching to Blue Diesel, these festivals can now take a significant step towards greater sustainability in terms of energy supply.”
Blue Diesel is a more sustainable liquid fuel composed of a blend of high-quality diesel and Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). HVO is a synthetic fuel derived from plant oils sourced from residual waste and processed with hydrogen. This fuel is compatible with all diesel engines. Blue Diesel offers generator users the opportunity to gradually transition to a lower environmental impact. It is available in blends of 10%, 20%, 30%, and 100% HVO. The higher the HVO percentage, the more sustainable.
Frederik Luyten, spokesperson for Pukkelpop, highlights: "Pukkelpop has been at the forefront of sustainability efforts for years. Our Baraque Futur, the innovative eco-zone featuring energy-generating dance floors, insect-based burgers, eco-friendly beer, and more, continues to be remembered nearly a decade later. We also installed the impressive 21-meter GEM-tower in 2019 in partnership with Eindhoven University of Technology, powering an entire campsite with sustainable energy. From creating 5000 Pukkelpop keychains out of recycled beer cups to our annual advanced waste management program, promoting free public transport and cycling, and supporting food banks with non-perishable food collections—these efforts underscore our commitment. This year, transitioning to Blue Diesel 100 marks another significant stride towards sustainability.”
With this transition, Pukkelpop aims to reduce its CO2 emissions by 375 tons across the entire chain. This is equivalent to one person taking 1,972 flights between Brussels and Athens or driving 4,750,000 kilometers in a car using traditional fuels.
Frederik Luyten continues, "Festivals too can play a significant role in combating climate change. By introducing Blue Diesel 100, Pukkelpop demonstrates that sustainability and large-scale events can go hand in hand. As a visitor, it's reassuring to know that you're participating in an event that prioritizes sustainability."
