Portsmouth port installs 20-foot container-size battery for electric vehicle charging
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The battery is the centrepiece of the Port Energy Systems Optimisation (PESO) project, which aims to turn the port into a a smart energy network in conjunction with the solar panels across the site.
Housed in a weatherproof shelter, the Welsh-made GS Yuasa dual chemical energy storage system uses lithium-ion technology as well as standard lead acid battery technology.
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Hide AdThe funding to develop and build the prototype system is coming from Innovate-UK's 'Prospering from the Energy Revolution' fund.
Mike Sellers, port director at Portsmouth International Port said: ‘I’m delighted that this important milestone has been reached. This initiative has the potential to have significant benefits for the port, and could also provide a solution to smart energy use that can be shared with the wider port industry.
‘This innovative project demonstrates our ambition to be one of the UK’s first zero-emission ports.
‘Being at forefront of research into sustainable energy projects like this will help us reach that target.’
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Hide AdThe decarbonising of ports and the shipping sector presents ‘enormous challenges’, according to Dr Jonthan Williams Jonathan Williams, CEO of Marine South East, which is leading the PESO project.
He said: ‘The decarbonising of our ports and shipping sector presents enormous challenges requiring innovative energy systems - MSE is delighted to be leading the PESO consortium to explore the role of port batteries in this energy transition.’
Anthony Price, managing director of Swanbarton, which is partnering on the project, added: ‘Making electricity storage work is an important part of the route to zero emissions, and we are looking forward to integrating Swanbarton’s innovative storage management controller with Yuasa’s new dual battery system to demonstrate both energy and cost savings.’
It comes as part of Portsmouth International Port's works to help improve air quality in the city, as the port strives to become carbon neutral by 2030.