Shambala Festival utilised five Instagrid ONE portable power units over a month-long period during its 2025 build, show, and break phases. The aim was to reduce reliance on generators, lower HVO fuel consumption (all fuel on site is HVO), and provide flexible power solutions across the greenfield site.
Deployment & Logistics
All Instagrid units were charged using mains power from a green tariff at the site office. Some were pre-booked for known low-power needs, while others remained available for ad-hoc requests or swap-outs. Their ease of use and portability made them ideal for deployment by various teams, even those without technical expertise.
Their key use cases included:
Early Crew Arrival: Instagrid units provided power for phones, laptops, lights, tools, and caravan amenities before generators were operational. Their ability to power a kettle and an air fryer made for a very happy crew!
Red Box Office: Red Box Office: 1x Instagrid unit replaced a small generator, powering essential office equipment and saving over 100L of HVO fuel (across several days) - while improving air quality and reducing noise.
Steward & Contractor Camp: Multiple Instagrid units enabled early admin work and site setup in remote areas without extra infrastructure.
Remote Gates: Ticket facilities are essential at every festival – but only draw a low power load, making Instagrid units an ideal power source. Shambala used multiple units to support ticket scanning systems and internet facilities with reliable power.
Dance Workshops: A popular activity that's held in 'secret locations' requiring power for PA systems and lights. Instagrid units powered them with ease and eliminated the need to run cables across public areas.
Recycling Exchanges: An essential part of Shambala Festival – and key contributor to its sustainability goals, Instagrid units provided short-term power for scanners and devices in isolated areas.
Venue Light Tests and Buggy Re-charging: Instagrid’s portability helped facilitate early equipment checks, saving time and avoiding logistical delays. They also proved a valuable asset in re-charging electric site buggies. This alone helped save an estimated 100L+ HVO fuel, and eliminated the need for at least two small generators (or long cable runs).
Conclusion
Five Instagrid ONE units proved a highly effective portable power resource, complimenting larger site power facilities with a total estimated saving of 1000L of fuel across the site.
Their deployment not only reduced fuel use and generator dependency, but also enhanced crew and reveller welfare - as well as increasing operational efficiency.
Want Instagrid powering your next event? then get in touch, or visit our rental and distributor map to find your nearest supplier > Instagrid