What an incredible time we had at Eurosonic Noorderslag! Together with some groundbreaking innovators, we turned the festival into a testing ground for solutions that make our world cleaner, greener, and more connected. Here’s what we tested:
What an incredible time we had at Eurosonic Noorderslag! Together with some groundbreaking innovators, we turned the festival into a testing ground for solutions that make our world cleaner, greener, and more connected. Here’s what we tested:
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To demonstrate their technology, LV Energy conducted a test at ESNS by integrating their system into a loud generator. This innovation has the potential to transform concert halls and highways into energy sources. To engage festival visitors, they showcased a small device that allowed people to shout into it, converting sound into energy and illuminating lights in response. LV Energy’s theory has been confirmed: it is indeed possible to generate energy from sound, particularly when close to the sound source. During testing, a small wave-harvester panel generated 1 watt of energy, while an 18 cm panel connected to a generator produced 20 volts. A challenge that remains is the distance to the sound source. Ambient sound doesn’t have enough density to generate energy effectively at a distance, meaning the technology currently only works near the sound source. Furthermore, an exciting new discovery emerged during testing. In addition to sound waves, the small harvester can also generate energy from sound vibrations. With this in mind, LV Energy is exploring the development of a hybrid product that can harness both applications.
Logistical challenges such as accessibility, parking, noise pollution, and air pollution are daily frustrations in major cities. With an electric cargo bike, entrepreneurs can sidestep many of these issues. With DOCKR, you can lease an electric cargo bike for a fixed monthly fee, which includes insurance, maintenance, and on-site roadside assistance. The specially designed cargo box is perfect for business use. At ESNS, production staff used DOCKR bikes to transport cargo, putting them to the test in a real-world setting. These experiences will help evaluate the bike’s reliability, range, load capacity, and overall ease of use.
In the Hitloop project, researchers from the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences explored the Human-In-The-Loop principle in AI-generated music. At ESNS, they tested an interactive installation where a DJ, AI, and music enthusiasts collaborate create a music piece. The aim was to study how people interact with AI and the installation. During testing, the overall user experience was rated positively. Participants found the interface user-friendly, though there is room for improvement in visual feedback and explanations. The positive attitude of music professionals towards AI as an opportunity was a surprising outcome. Artists expressed interest in collaborating with Hitloop and in conducting live experiments with their audience.
Many off-grid retail locations still rely on polluting diesel generators. WE-doubleyouenergy wants to change this with a sustainable solar and hydrogen energy system. During ESNS, their clean energy fueled De KoffiePod, serving emission-free coffee. They operated continuously over several days to demonstrate its maximum capacity, hydrogen consumption, and efficiency. The hydrogen technology has proven to be a promising alternative to traditional energy sources. During testing, the system generated 7.3 kWh of electricity using just 0.75 kg of hydrogen, achieving an efficiency of 26.5%. Additionally, it saved an impressive 50 kg of CO₂ compared to a gasoline generator. While the fuel cell operated stably, maintaining the optimal temperature of 55°C was a challenge, especially in the evening when energy demand was lower. This provides valuable insights for further optimization. The barista had no issues operating the system, and visitors were excited about the innovative approach. However, the high cost of hydrogen remains a consideration. Unlike fossil fuel generator, the system is completely silent and emission-free.
“You don’t know what you don’t know.” The first step toward a net-zero future is accurate measurement and benchmarking of key data. 50X Labs empowers companies in the event sector with automated sustainability reporting, enabling smarter decision-making. Their platform accelerates data collection by 70% compared to Excel, enhances accuracy, and provides dual materiality reporting to assess both climate risks and opportunities. The platform also includes a blockchain-based offset program and an integrated task management system, making sustainability efforts more seamless and transparent. At ESNS, 50X Labs tested the user-friendliness of their platform and the technology behind it, ensuring it meets the needs of industry professionals. The test confirmed that the system functions well technically and that there is a clear demand for automated CO₂ reporting within the event industry. Adoption still proved to be a challenge. Only 290 scans were registered, mainly from crew members and delegates, and just 7 out of 29 truck drivers completed the questionnaire. Less than 50% of users who scanned the QR code completed the questionnaire, which may indicate confusion about the questions. The technology appears to be most effective in a ‘Closed Gate’ environment, where sharing travel data is mandatory. An unexpected outcome was the international spread of the QR codes, suggesting wider interest in this technology. Additionally, the test provided valuable insights into ESNS’s logistical processes.
Emission-0 is a platform that enables construction and infrastructure projects to be completed entirely emission-free by offering zero-emission equipment and transport rentals. Designed for individuals, contractors, governments, and rental companies, the platform provides a user-friendly online tool for reserving sustainable machinery. During their test at ESNS, Emission-0 explored how event sites can be set up and dismantled without emissions while identifying additional opportunities to further reduce environmental impact. The technology received positive feedback and the equipment proved to be suitable for use at festivals. This hasn’t gone unnoticed; 67% of festival organizers have expressed interest in trying out Emission-0 at their events. Many festivals have limited budgets for sustainability efforts and rely on sponsorships or subsidies, causing financial challenges. Additionally, some organizations hesitate to showcase their sustainability initiatives, fearing negative reactions. Despite these challenges, valuable connections have been made for further collaboration, and follow-up discussions are already scheduled.
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