The UK government’s Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) has awarded funding to the Electric Thames project, which is intended to decarbonize the River Thames and bolster London’s energy network.
Electric Thames project goals
The Electric Thames project seeks to transform the River Thames and enable electric vessels to store surplus renewable energy – such as wind and solar power – when it is abundant and cost-effective. This stored energy could be returned to the grid during peak demand, increasing London’s flexible energy capacity and advancing the capital’s net-zero ambitions.
Led by UK Power Networks, the Electric Thames initiative has expanded its partnership to include the Port of London Authority (PLA) and EV.Energy as it transitions to the next phase of the project. Maritime energy transition company Marine Zero and energy transition consultants LCP Delta will continue to deliver the maritime and energy modeling elements of the project.
Funding schedule
This funding comes via Round 3 Alpha of Ofgem’s SIF competition, with the Electric Thames project demonstrating the potential for electric vessels to balance London’s energy demand by completing Discovery in May 2024.
Alpha got underway on October 1 of this year and focuses on mapping current and future energy requirements for different vessel types operating on the Thames. The team will explore scalable solutions and potential pathways for adoption across the broader UK market, laying the foundation for widespread implementation.
Decarbonizing London’s maritime operations
Phillip Twiddy, senior consultant at LCP Delta, said, “We previously showed that there is a huge level of interest from operators in decarbonizing vessels and operations on the Thames, and there is a significant benefit to be gained from a well-managed transition.  We’re looking forward to working with the marine, energy and investment sectors to develop economic solutions to enable decarbonization of the Thames and rivers throughout GB.”
Andy Hurley, operations director at Marine Zero, added, “We are thrilled to welcome the Port of London Authority and EV.Energy to the Electric Thames project team. Together with our partners LCP Delta and UK Power Networks, we are now positioned to deepen our understanding of the operational requirements and key adjustments needed to make zero-emission vessels a viable option for Thames operators.
“Our primary focus during Alpha is to examine the financial implications and benefits of transitioning to cleaner operations. By establishing resilient and sustainable financial models, we aim to provide operators with practical and clear pathways toward adopting zero-emission solutions for vessel and quay operators.”
Grace Rawnsley, director of sustainability and net zero transition at the Port of London Authority, said, “Having supported the Electric Thames project in its early days, we are delighted to be joining as a formal partner. At the PLA we care for, champion and celebrate the river, so it is a natural fit to join with a project that brings innovation and environmental ambition together, helping toward our vision of the River Thames becoming net zero.”
Luca Grella, head of innovation at UK Power Networks, said, “The Thames has been the lifeblood of London for thousands of years, so it is exciting to be laying the foundations for it to enter the age of green energy. Our aim is to create a blueprint that could revolutionize maritime transportation and be scalable across the UK and beyond.”
In related news, UK maritime minister Mike Kane recently announced that the UK is to develop new “green shipping routes” only accessible to zero-emission vessels. Click here to read the full story.