An ambitious project, the first of its kind for the UK, is underway in London that could see a radical new relationship between Thames vessel operators and London’s electricity network.
The Electric Thames project, a collaboration of UK Power Networks, LCP Delta, and Marine Zero, is assessing the viability of using electric vessels to feed stored electricity back into the capital’s energy network, helping progress in the transition to Net Zero. In principle, battery-powered vessels on the River Thames could store green energy when it is cheap to do so, such as when the wind is blowing or sun is shining, and feed it back to the grid during peak electricity hours. The approach could help increase the capital’s flexible energy capacity and reduce peak electricity demand.
The project, which is in its initial ‘discovery’, that is, its scoping phase, supports the Port of London Authority’s transition to net zero emissions and London mayor Sadiq Khan’s policy for London to be Net Zero Carbon by 2030. The discovery phase of the project, which is funded via the Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund, will conclude at the end of May this year.
Thames vessel and quay operators will be surveyed over the coming weeks to identify and map out their needs. This will allow power suppliers to plan and complete any works needed to facilitate the move to cleaner vessel and river operations along the River Thames.
Andy Hurley, director at Marine Zero, commented: “Along with our project partners at LCP Delta and UK Power Networks, we are developing a completely new approach to increasing energy flexibility by developing new income streams new and flexible solutions for vessel and quay operators.”
A new energy source
Most of the boats, quaysides, and ports operating on the Thames – which supports a busy freight sector as well as 8-million passenger trips per year – currently rely on fossil fuels. This is starting to change, however, as the river's economy decarbonises in response to net zero ambitions.
But as increasing numbers of Thames vessel and quayside operators move to electric power sources, there is limited understanding about how the shift will affect the capital’s power network and peak power demands. The Electric Thames project team will consult quay owners, vessel operators, and other stakeholders in order to understand the opportunities for investing in electrification and a sustainable route to revenue.
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