Iberdrola will implement new technology for port decarbonisation in Pasaia

In this context, the Port of Basia In collaboration with Iberdrola, a new OPS (Onshore Power) infrastructure is being implemented to supply the power needs of ships connected to renewable energy and to reduce the level of atmospheric and noise pollution.

This initiative, initiated by Iberdrola, has the support of the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda (MITMA) through the Sustainable and Digital Transport Support Program within the framework of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Program, funded by the European Next Generation Fund. Union. A project powered by Iberdrola Deployment of Onshore Power Supply (OPS) technology and decarbonization of electricity supply in the ports of Pasaia, Vigo and Alicante has been selected by MITMA to receive a €1.9 million grant.

This system allows ships to connect to the shore power network while they are in port, so that the auxiliary machinery they use for auxiliary systems (transfer pumps, refrigeration systems, lighting, emergency equipment, etc.) is shut down. The entire time the ship is docked for loading and unloading goods or people.

In particular, the power company will build a power system at the Capucinos dock in Pazaya, aimed at providing service to Ro-Ro vessels loaded with vehicles of UECC Shipping Company, one of the port's main traffics.

UECC has shown keen interest in having this infrastructure and has opted for hybrid technology on three of its new vessels. In addition, an increasing docking scene is planned, so that between the three they will make one to five weekly stops, notes Port Authority Director David Candelario.

Installing an OPS-type charging point, or cold ironing, will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality around the port because, Candelario highlighted, emissions will be reduced during ship calls when the energy comes from a renewable source. By 100%.

Also, according to the assessment of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the use of these emerging technologies allows to reduce the impact of the noise produced during the loading and unloading operations of ships by 16 decibels, thus improving the quality of life of nearby residents. to port.

In summary, the advantages of this system include savings compared to traditional fuels, reduction of local emissions released into the atmosphere, reduction of vibration and noise during docking, and less wear and tear on auxiliary machinery. Likewise, the decarbonisation of the energy supply will be greater as Iberdrola will supply ships with photovoltaic power generated on site.

Also, when ships are not connected to an electrified system, excess photovoltaic energy will be used to provide security to other operators and customers in the port environment, exploring joint self-consumption methods, in which the electricity company accepts the initial investment. .

If there are additional surpluses, they will be poured into the electricity grid to achieve shared self-consumption and provide green energy for the rest of the energy needs of the port environment, explains Eduardo Lopato, Commercial Representative for the Northern Region of Iberdrola.

Iberdrola's Pasaia Port Eco-Electrification Project begins after the administrative concession is granted and is expected to be operational in 2025.

An OPS station consists of vessel coupling equipment, a mobile device with a jointed arm such as a crane, which allows the cable to be quickly and safely attached to the vessel.

According to calculations made by State Ports, the reduction in emissions achieved after replacing on-board power generation produced by burning fuel, by connecting the ship to the grid, is drastic: 96% NOx, 8% SOx, 94% particulates and 64% CO2. As with gluten, the reduction is greater in the supply of renewable energies.