Shore power makes ports more sustainable
In a time when grid congestion is a given and the demand for sustainable energy solutions is rapidly increasing, the integration of diverse energy sources and users plays a crucial role. For Pon Power, it's not just about delivering batteries or individual components, but about providing a comprehensive solution that optimizes energy management and ensures the customer has a continuous, more sustainable, and efficient power supply.
GRID CONGESTION NOT AN UNSOLVABLE PROBLEM
Shore power drastically reduces the emissions of harmful substances in ports by connecting ships to electricity instead of using their own generators. This results in less air pollution and noise, significantly improving the living environment around ports. Janos van Galen, Account Manager Energy Systems at Pon Power, emphasizes that "shore power requires an investment but can also deliver significant emission reductions."
A challenge in the implementation of shore power, however, is the current grid congestion. The power grids are often not prepared for the additional demand that this facility brings. Pon Power does not see this as an insurmountable problem. Janos van Galen: “At Pon Power, we look beyond the possibilities within a required grid connection. We ensure sufficient energy based on the capabilities of a location.”
“At Pon Power, we look beyond the possibilities within a required grid connection”
Microgrids: Independence and Economic Benefits
The concept of microgrids plays a key role in this approach. Microgrids are self-sustaining energy networks that, in combination with local energy sources like solar panels and energy storage systems, can provide shore power independently of the main grid. "With a microgrid, you can always supply ships with power via your shore installation," Van Galen explains. This offers not only independence from the main grid but also economic benefits. “For instance, power from solar energy is almost always cheaper than grid power, saving on fuel for generators and reducing the financial burden due to lower CO2 emissions. Additionally, consider the competitive advantage as a quay owner by offering shore power when others do not.”
ELECTRIFICATION AT THE shore, BUT ALSO ON vessels
Bjorn Hoefnagels, Business Development Manager at Pon Power, points to the growing interest in electrification within the maritime sector: “This interest doesn’t come solely from the quay but certainly from ships as well. Ships with fixed or short routes can sail fully electric, but in practice, the demand is mostly for hybrid solutions. Caterpillar is currently developing a robust energy charger that can efficiently charge ships. The maritime industry operates on the principle of island usage, meaning you generate and consume your own energy onboard. This makes it all the more important to manage energy efficiently on ships, even when docked. In this context, shore power also plays its part.”
There is no doubt that electrification in the maritime sector is a development full of challenges and requires specific knowledge. Janos: “That's precisely why we aim to fully relieve our customers. From analysis to installation and maintenance: we handle everything. With this approach, ports and ship owners can reap the environmental benefits of shore power without having to worry about the technical challenges that grid congestion may bring. By combining our expertise with the innovative solutions of Caterpillar and others, the sustainability of ports becomes achievable, even in a time of increasing energy demand and network limitations.”
