The United Kingdom has unveiled its first coastal energy demonstrator, based on green hydrogen technology. This project, supported by Innovate UK and the UK Department for Transport , enables tugboats to operate on clean energy while docked, thereby reducing dependence on diesel.
The first coastal energy demonstrator
The initiative, developed in collaboration with Forth Ports , Target Towing , Logan Energy , PlusZero , and Waterwhelm , integrates hydrogen production with water reuse and waste heat utilization. Using Waterwhelm’s specialized technology, the system sources fresh water from effluent at a nearby treatment plant, ensuring a sustainable supply without impacting local water resources. This water is then used in an electrolysis process using Logan Energy’s technology, which separates oxygen from hydrogen to generate a clean fuel.
PlusZero Power, for its part, transforms this hydrogen into electricity through a generator based on a hydrogen internal combustion engine ( HICE ), eliminating the need for diesel generators and significantly reducing emissions at the port of Leith.
The project is part of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC4) , an initiative funded by the British government within the UK SHORE program, which seeks to accelerate the transition to sustainable maritime transport.
This is a world first for Scotland: a green hydrogen coastal energy demonstrator that uses clean, green energy to reduce carbon emissions from ships when berthed in port. It’s truly encouraging to see the Port of Leith leading the way and putting this type of technological innovation into practice.
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Transport.
The potential for hydrogen energy in the transition is enormous, and for Europe, this type of project allows countries like Scotland to strengthen their role in developing truly sustainable technologies.
This is an exciting green fuel transition initiative for Forth Ports and Targe Towing, as we work towards our commitment to reduce carbon emissions across all Forth Ports group operations and achieve net-zero emissions by 2042. This is the first project of its kind to take place at a UK port, and we are delighted that Targe Towing has been nominated for the prestigious Towing Innovation of the Year award.
Stuart Wallace, Chief Executive of Forth Ports.
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Source and photo: Forth Ports
