Stena is creating a solution for the use of recycled batteries in port charging stations.
Stena is now taking the next step in the field of shipping electrification: the development of a new form of energy storage, similar to very large power stations, which will be necessary for the rapid charging of electric ferries in the future.
The project is part-funded by the EU and will examine, among other things, how used batteries from the transport sector can be reused for energy storage in ports.
“An incredible amount is happening in the world of batteries. New solutions are being designed to meet the charging requirements of the transport sector of the future, especially for shipping where vessels are starting to switch to electric power. Rapidly charging a large ferry, for example, requires a huge amount of energy in a short time and it’s not certain that the electricity grid will be able to deliver it. Local energy stores at ports could offer a great solution to this problem.”
Rasmus Bergström, managing director of Batteryloop.
The business Batteryloop is a subsidiary of the Stena Recycling Group. The business has quickly had an impact on electrification, not least in the recycling of used batteries from the automotive industry. A global partnership agreement has recently been signed with Volvo Buses on the reuse of batteries from its electric vehicles.
“One thing is sure, batteries are here to stay. In order to conserve natural resources and make battery recycling sustainable, we need to do everything we can to use batteries for as long as possible. Our conclusion is that many batteries can have a second life as energy storage. If we can find solutions that will scale-up and work in ports, we’ll have a win-win situation in many ways.”
Rasmus Bergström, managing director of Batteryloop.
The project will map and analyze the possibilities for the re-use of lithium-ion batteries from the transport and automotive industries for energy storage in ports, such as the charging of electric ferries.
The partnership involves several Stena companies -Batteryloop, Stena Recycling, Stena Rederi and Stena Line-the ports of Gothenburg and Kiel and the energy consultancy company DNV GL. The project will be carried out over two years and will be funded by INEA, the EU Innovation and Network Executive Agency.
Stena Line started investing in battery power on the Stena Jutlandica ferry as early as 2018, which uses battery power to drive the bow thrusters that drive the vessel into port.
“This is an important milestone in the electrification of shipping. Our future project, Stena Elektra – a fully electric ferry – is already on the drawing board. In order to succeed, we need to solve the issue of how to quickly charge a ferry. Energy storage at ports using recycled batteries, is a very interesting and sustainable alternative for the future.”
Per Wimby, project manager for electrification at Stena Teknik.
Quayside energy storage can also be used as an alternative source of energy for port vessels to minimize greenhouse gas emissions. Stena Line and the Port of Gothenburg have long been pioneers in this area, and all Stena Line ferries are linked to green onshore power in Göteborg.
