Ports can play a pivotal role in the world’s decarbonisation challenge and provide a blueprint for industries and governments to cut pollution and transition to a cleaner energy future. By 2050, the total electricity generating capacity for industrial ports could increase more than tenfold. Renewable energy could account for at least 70 per cent of the total electricity generation, compared to just five per cent today.
This is one of the findings of DNV GL’s new study "Ports: Green gateways to Europe - 10 transitions to turn ports into decarbonisation hubs". The study reveals that the expected deployment of offshore wind and the required grid enforcements to realise their connection will lead to an advantageous position for large industrial ports as a hub for renewable energy generation.
10 green transitions
The report, made with input from Eurelectric, the sector association for the European electricity industry, also reveals that despite industrial production increasing almost 60 per cent and cargo throughput growing 30 per cent by 2050, energy efficiency measures and electrification could more than compensate for the growth in port activities, both in energy use and CO2 emissions. Additionally, the carbon intensity for port-side energy use will almost halve.
However, for this to be realised, 10 green transitions will need to happen in and around ports. These transitions are:
1. Electrification of port-related activities
2. Fuel switch for maritime transport
3. Electrification of industry
4. Integration of offshore wind
5. Energy system integration
6. Hydrogen as a feedstock and energy vector
7. Phase-out of fossil-fuelled power plants
8. Carbon capture and storage
9. New regulations
10. A circular and bio-based economy
The report also analysed smaller Transport Ports. The findings show that without the green transitions, the ports energy use and CO2-emission will increase significantly, but that efficiency measures and electrification could more than half the total energy consumption. Electricity use will increase almost fivefold and in absolute terms, electricity will be almost on par with fuel oil consumption.
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Regardless of size or function, the importance of ports in the wider decarbonization agenda cannot be underestimated. Today transport accounts for one-third of the overall EU CO2 emissions, with water transport making up 14%. It is estimated that due to CO2 targets imposed on vehicles, the relative contribution of water transport will increase significantly if emissions from water navigation are not tackled in time.
Energy transition holds huge potential
Ensuring that ports become the driver of the energy transition and not a bigger contributor to global emission levels, will secure their position as linchpins in the economy and major employers in the markets they serve. According to the European commission, 1.5 million workers are employed in European ports, with the same amount again employed indirectly across the 22 EU maritime Member States.
Kristian Ruby, Secretary General of Eurelectric said: “The energy transition holds a huge potential for European ports. Offshore renewable energy will be a major driver of business and employment. And by electrifying operations, ports can drastically reduce both air pollution and carbon emissions.”
Incentivise energy infrastructure
Ditlev Engel, CEO of DNV GL – Energy added: “The global challenges of climate change, environmental degradation and pollution require decarbonisation of all industry sectors. At the intersection of land and sea where many industry sectors are coming together, ports can play a pivotal role and be a blueprint for the rest of society. Governments need to incentivise port authorities and energy players to facilitate the development of energy infrastructure across multiple energy carriers in ports. First movers and those who manage to cooperate should be rewarded by relevant government policies. Fast action is needed to secure a more sustainable future.” (mfo)
