Innovate UK and the UK Department for Transport, together with project partners Forth Ports, Targe Towing, Logan Energy, PlusZero and Waterwhelm, have showcased what they state is the world’s first Green Hydrogen Shore Power Demonstrator that uses clean, green hydrogen energy to reduce carbon emissions from vessels when berthed in port.
This project is part of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 4 (CMDC4), funded by the UK Department for Transport (DfT) and delivered by Innovate UK. CMDC4 is part of the Department’s UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) program, a £236m (US$305m) initiative focused on developing the technology necessary to decarbonize the UK domestic maritime sector.
Technology-enabled sustainability
The project integrates water treatment, waste heat utilization and hydrogen production to provide clean shore power for maritime operations. The project sees the large tugs, operated by Targe Towing at the Port of Leith, now powered by green hydrogen when tied up.
The event, attended by Fiona Hyslop, cabinet secretary for transport, and senior stakeholders from industry and the hydrogen supply chain, delivered a live demonstration of the hydrogen-powered system and sessions on clean energy innovation. The event directly relates to the Forth Green Freeport (FGF) innovation objectives to grow the hydrogen economy and the alternative fuel market across the FGF area.
Using specialist water treatment technology provided by Waterwhelm, fresh re-use water is made from effluent from nearby wastewater treatment works which is then used to produce green hydrogen at the Port of Leith without compromising local water supplies. Waterwhelm’s technology enables water reuse and desalination processes to operate at lower pressure, providing lower maintenance benefits as well as a low rate of electricity consumption and carbon emissions for water reuse.
Green hydrogen specialist partners Logan Energy and PlusZero brought a clean power solution to the port. East Lothian-based Logan Energy’s electrolyzer technology splits the reused water into oxygen and hydrogen. The hydrogen is then used as a clean fuel for PlusZero Power’s Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine-powered generator which will generate green electricity to provide shore power for the tugboats when they are in port, replacing the need for polluting diesel generators.
Executive partnership
Hyslop said, “This is a world first for Scotland – a Green Hydrogen Shore Power Demonstrator that uses clean, green hydrogen energy to reduce carbon emissions from vessels when docked in port. It is really encouraging to see the Port of Leith leading the way and putting this kind of technological innovation into action.
“We know that Scotland benefits from a diverse and successful maritime sector that contributes significantly to our economy. What’s been proven here is that innovative use of green hydrogen can help decarbonize ports and shipping and I hope to see this replicated in ports across the UK and beyond.
“Scotland has the potential to be a leading international hydrogen nation, and the Scottish government is fully committed to helping the Scottish hydrogen sector develop and grow. We are creating a hydrogen economy that will provide economic benefit and a renewable and low-carbon source of energy to help meet our net zero ambitions.”
Stuart Wallace, CEO of Forth Ports, stated, “This is an exciting green fuel transition initiative for Forth Ports and Targe Towing as we work toward our commitment to reduce carbon emissions across Forth Ports’ group operations to become net zero by 2042. This is the first project of its kind to be demonstrated at a UK port and we are thrilled that Targe Towing has been nominated for the prestigious Tug Innovation of the Year award.”
Ali Abbassi Monjezi, director at Waterwhelm, added, “Water and hydrogen both play major roles in our transition to net zero emissions. In this context, the interconnectivity of wastewater treatment sites with hydrogen production plants can enable multiple synergistic gains. Importantly, it futureproofs water supply for hydrogen production at a time of declining water availability due to climate change and population growth. Through this project, we have demonstrated how this interconnectivity can be achieved using Waterwhelm’s technology for water supply to green hydrogen production at the Port of Leith.”
Craig Stewart, business development director for Logan Energy, concurred, “The Green Hydrogen Shore Power Demonstrator showcases the vital role green hydrogen will play in achieving global net zero goals. At Logan Energy, we are proud to contribute our expertise and specialist equipment to this groundbreaking project. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with our partners to scale up this technology, enabling more vessels, in more ports, to be berthed and powered with zero emissions.”
David Amos, managing director of PlusZero Power, said, “Our mission at PlusZero Power is to deliver clean, green hydrogen solutions that help our customers decarbonize their operations and this project is a significant step toward reducing maritime emissions. We are proud to be collaborating with our partners whose expertise and shared commitment to hydrogen innovation are essential in driving meaningful progress toward a more sustainable future.”
Mike Biddle, executive director of net zero at Innovate UK, said, “This project shows how powerful collaborative innovation can be to prosper from the net zero transition. By working in partnership with the Department for Transport and companies throughout the UK we’re showing we can grow the UK economy and achieve our climate commitments.”
In related news, the Port of Newcastle in Australia has signed a formal advisory agreement with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) to draw upon the latter’s expertise in the production, storage and distribution of hydrogen and ammonia and advance the development of the Clean Energy Precinct (CEP). Click here to read the full story.