Deployment Date: March 2026
Project Location: Austin, Texas, U.S.A.
2 min read
The energy was buzzin’ at SXSW’s Electric Roadhouse in Austin, Texas. Off-road demos, live concerts, and continuous product displays of Rivian’s R2 midsize SUV were the centerpiece of the week-long debut.
Despite its urban neighborhood location, there was no easy access to 3-phase, 208V power required for the stage and lighting. The typical approach would have been a diesel generator, but the folks at Event Power in Austin were looking for a better solution, one that that lined up with the goals of both Rivian and their production partner, Best Events.
Enter Leyden Power & Overdrive Energy Solutions!
Overdrive Energy Solutions, Event Power Austin & Leyden Power deployed a Navy Cube 250 Battery Energy Storage System, paired with a single 56 kVA diesel generator for backup and charging. The partnership enabled Rivian to materially reduce the noise, pollution and diesel use of traditional generators, while reinforcing its decarbonization agenda.
By hybridizing diesel with batteries, the team shifted from generator-led supply to a battery-first operating model. Hybridization lets system operators to cut diesel use, maintenance costs, and emissions without compromising performance or requiring major changes to the existing power setup.
The system’s built-in 100% redundancy ensured the activation ran end-to-end without interruptions or blackouts. Charging was scheduled to minimize noise and air pollution, making the production camp and artist lounge a much more pleasant experience for staff and talent alike. Diesel runtime fell by 70% – over 600 gallons saved, while delivering 1.9 MWh of uninterrupted power over ten days.
Rivian’s brand activation is another point proving that the broader energy transition from fuel-based power is already underway.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) lets operators achieve greater energy independence and resilience that legacy diesel-based systems cannot match, including climate volatility and supply chain disruptions. For many, the goal isn’t a 100% switch overnight, but a manageable, gradual transition that proves clean energy is a tool for progress. This deployment shows how even a partial shift creates immediate value for operators, visitors, and the environment.
Thank you to Overdrive Energy Solutions, Event Power, and Rivian for making this happen!
Follow our page for more energy news and connect with our team to explore how BESS could improve operations on your site.
From consultation to installation and maintenance, we make the switch to clean energy constructive.
