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WOMADelaide has set a new precedent in sustainability by announcing that in 2026, all its stages will be powered exclusively by renewable energy. This initiative sees WOMADelaide become the first festival in the state to operate the majority of its infrastructure on renewable sources.
WOMADelaide spans four days and nights, typically attracting up to 80,000 attendees annually. Scheduled for March 6th to 9th, the festival is renowned for its diverse performances and commitment to the environment.
In a strategic move towards sustainability that began in 2021, WOMADelaide has been a leader in using B100 fuel, a type of biodiesel made entirely from organic materials. The 2026 festival will see a significant enhancement with the introduction of HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil), a renewable fuel derived from used cooking oil and animal fats. HVO is notable for producing approximately 90 per cent less greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional diesel and can be used interchangeably with diesel in compatible machinery.
Ian Scobie AM, Director of WOMADelaide, shared, “We’re really thrilled to introduce HVO to the festival, as that means we will now be powering all the stages at the festival from 100 per cent renewable energy. This is a significant step which will lower the festival’s total carbon emissions and bring us closer to a fossil-fuel free event.”
In addition to its renewable energy milestones, WOMADelaide has been pioneering various sustainability efforts for over two decades. Since 2001, the festival introduced the ‘three bin recycling’ system, which has since become a standard practice in households. It was also the first Australian festival to use reusable cups at all bars and to provide compostable utensils and dishes for food vendors. Since 2007, a portion of every ticket sold has been allocated to Greening Australia to fund tree planting in regional South Australia. This collaboration has resulted in the establishment of approximately 149 hectares of ‘WOMADelaide forests’ over the years.
The festival’s rigorous waste management strategies have ensured that over 98 per cent of waste generated is diverted from landfill. The introduction of a four-bin system has played a crucial role in achieving these outstanding results.
Ian added, “WOMADelaide truly is the world’s festival, so it’s our duty to care for the world we celebrate. Ensuring our event is sustainable is important, and powering all stages with renewable energy is a major milestone – not only for WOMADelaide, but the whole Australian festival landscape.”
The commitment of WOMADelaide to sustainability and environmental responsibility continues to resonate with festival-goers, making it a leader in the environmental transformation of large-scale public events.
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