The Dublin Winter Lights will be partly powered by vegetable oil generators this year.
The annual exhibit has lit up 16 locations around the city with colourful projections and light displays. The Spire has been included in the display for the first time this year, as well as a Viking Boat in the Liffey and a new installation in the Liberties’ Bridgefoot St Park.
Generators using hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) will power the Dublin Winter Lights for the third year. HVO is an alternative to fossil based diesel fuel.
Read more: Dublin Winter Lights officially switched on with new locations added to route
In addition, this year will see localised battery storage power being used for some installations "where possible". The battery packs will charge during off peak hours, and the stored energy from the batteries will be used during peak hours to power projectors and installations, thus eliminating any additional draw on the grid during peak periods.
According to Dublin City Council, the power used to light The Spire is comparable to that used in a domestic iron (1800w) and a toaster (900w) uses the same power as they are using on the Millennium Bridge. Meanwhile Smithfield Sq will be illuminated using the same amount of power as a dishwasher (3000w).
Simon Clarke, from Dublin City Council’s Events section said the move "confirms DCC's commitment" to delivering and facilitating more environmentally sustainable and energy efficient events in the capital.
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