Tuesday, December 3, 2024
EnergyInfrastructure and TechnologyLatestNews

Vessel-to-grid project speeds up

The £1.8m CanUK vessel-to-grid (V2G) project has united UK and Canadian experts to create the first transatlantic V2G project for electric vessels.

Using V2G’s bi-directional charging technology, it allows electric vessel batteries both receive and supply energy, cutting carbon emissions, slashing e-vessel costs, boosting grid flexibility, and speeding up e-vessel adoption.

The transatlantic partnership will deploy bi-directional chargers and electric vessels in Plymouth, UK, and Halifax, Canada. These installations feature V2G capabilities in both software and hardware, onshore and aboard the vessels.

The dual locations, with their contrasting environmental and operational conditions, will demonstrate the bi-directional energy flow to and from the vessel batteries.

The consortium is represented by marine charge point operator Aqua superPower leading the UK partners, with vessel manufacturer RS Electric Boats, and drive solutions provider RAD Propulsion, supported by the University of Plymouth. The Canadian partners are led by marine V2G software provider BlueGrid, with marine technology firm COVE, Lennox Island First Nation for skills training, and Dalhousie University providing knowledge of battery energy systems.

The transatlantic consortium will co-develop a V2G ecosystem, supporting V2G standards integration, battery R&D, and energy market alignment, with the aim to foster commercial partnerships and opening new markets and further R&D work.

The project aims to prove the value of marine V2G. The solutions will be tested with key stakeholders and end-users for whom the new solution will result in carbon reductions, vessel operating cost savings and more desirable vessel solutions.

Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is working with Canada’s Ocean Supercluster to invest a combined total up to £4 million in innovation projects that can involve a collaboration of industry and academia.

The funding supports projects to deliver innovative outcomes in ocean technology.

Adam Marshall, Chief Technology Officer at Aqua superPower, said:

“Winning our second Innovate UK grant for vessel-to-grid technology highlights our leadership in marine electrification. We’re thrilled to lead the UK consortium and collaborate with our Canadian partners on this groundbreaking transatlantic project, showcasing the potential of bi-directional boat charging in different energy markets and environments.”

Andrew Boswell, CEO at BlueGrid, said:

“International collaboration and innovation are cornerstones of this CanUK project. We proud to lead the Canadian team and work with our industry-leading UK partners for breakthrough vessel-to-grid deployments on both sides of the Atlantic. Together we will accelerate adoption of electric boats and emissions reductions, creating market opportunity in the process.”

Image courtesy of aqua superpower

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