Cinergy Mobile Power has officially launched in South Africa, bringing smart, diesel-free energy systems to the country’s film, TV and live event industries.
The company is the first to offer purpose-built mobile power solutions tailored for African film and entertainment. Instead of relying on traditional diesel generators, Cinergy’s modular systems combine solar and battery technology to deliver silent, cost-effective energy with zero emissions.
The systems also provide real-time data on power usage, helping productions work smarter. And crucially, they fit straight into existing workflows – no need to change how crews already do things.
“Energy has become a strategic production variable, affecting schedules, locations, sound, crew well-being, permitting, and budgets,” said Abe Cambridge, Co-Founder of Cinergy Mobile Power.
“Cinergy is a practical replacement for diesel that works the way productions and event organisers already operate, but with lower emissions, less noise, greater reliability, and data-backed insights to maximise efficiency.
“Cinergy combines our team’s deep leadership experience in clean energy and logistics with a genuine personal passion for film and live events.
“We want to help industries we care about operate at the higher standards that audiences increasingly expect.”
Abe Cambridge
Why this matters now
South Africa’s film industry is big business – it supports tens of thousands of jobs and brought in R2.52 billion from foreign productions in 2024 alone. Every rand spent generates another R2.50 for the local economy. But here’s the catch: power typically eats up 10-15% of production budgets.
The industry is also under growing pressure. Diesel costs keep climbing. Local bylaws around filming are getting stricter. Communities are pushing back against noisy, fume-spewing generators. And international studios now demand cleaner, greener productions. What was once a nice-to-have is fast becoming non-negotiable.
What the systems offer
Cinergy’s platforms are modular and can handle everything from small commercial shoots to massive outdoor festivals. Key features include:
Silent operation and zero emissions on site
Remote monitoring for real-time tweaks
Smart data that helps cut waste now and on future projects
Quick to deploy, easy to move
No refuelling, low maintenance
Slots into how crews already work
Costs the same or less than diesel
Already proven in the field
Cinergy Mobile Power
Cinergy recently powered an ITV Studios reality TV shoot in Mpumalanga for a full week – lights, aircon, cameras, the lot – using only batteries and solar.
“Productions are looking for innovative solutions that reduce emissions without compromising on reliability or resilience,” said Phil Holdgate, Head of Production Sustainability at ITV Studios.
“Cinergy showed that clean power can be practical on location and not just a sustainability goal, but a cost-effective and workable solution.”
The company also supplied power for AfrikaBurn 2025 in the Tankwa Karoo, one of the world’s biggest off-grid cultural events.
For nearly six weeks, solar-hybrid and battery systems kept everything running in the remote desert. Generators only kicked in briefly during peak demand. Less noise, no fuel trucks, cleaner air – and organisers got useful data on their energy use.
Backed by climate investors and local tech
Cinergy’s launch is backed by around R8 million from Holocene, a climate-focused venture capital firm.
“Cinergy is exactly the kind of practical climate innovation we look for at Holocene – a smart business solving a real, widespread problem with technology that simply works better,” said Joshua Romisher, General Partner at Holocene Ventures
. “Diesel generators are a significant and largely overlooked emissions source, and Cinergy replaces them with systems that are cleaner, quieter, and actually save productions money. With proven traction across major international studios and a founder team that knows how to scale climate tech in Africa, we’re confident this is just act one.”
The battery tech itself comes from Freedom Won, a South African manufacturer.
Cinergy Solar Array
“We are proud to see South African engineering enabling a new category of clean mobile infrastructure,” said Antony English, Chief Technical Officer at Freedom Won.
“It shows that reliable alternatives to diesel generation can be developed and deployed at scale in Africa.”
Beyond film and events
While entertainment is the main focus, Cinergy’s systems are built for any situation that needs temporary power. Think agriculture, disaster relief, remote construction sites, outside broadcasts – anywhere diesel generators have been the only option until now.
