Innovative battery delivered to Portsmouth International Port as part of decarbonisation project

A 20-foot container sized battery that can charge four electric cars simultaneously has been safely delivered to Portsmouth International Port this week as part of the Port Energy Systems Optimisation (PESO) decarbonisation project.

The new GS Yuasa dual chemical energy storage system comes in the form of a weatherproof shelter that will be able to supply 100kW of power. Putting this into perspective, this means four mid-range electric cars could be charged at the same time using energy stored in the battery.

The battery uses lithium-ion technology as well as standard lead acid Yuasa ENL battery technology. Manufactured at GS Yuasa’s Ebbw Vale factory in Wales where final assembly and integration takes place, the system’s lithium batteries come from Japan.

The funding to develop and build the prototype system is coming from Innovate-UK’s ‘Prospering from the Energy Revolution’ fund. The system is due to come into operation in early 2021.

“I’m delighted that this important milestone has been reached. This initiative has the potential to have significant benefits for the port, and could also provide a solution to smart energy use that can be shared with the wider port industry,” says Mike Sellers, port director at Portsmouth International Port.

“This innovative project demonstrates our ambition to be one of the UK’s first zero-emission ports. Being at forefront of research into sustainable energy projects like this will help us reach that target.”

The PESO project, led by Marine South East and supported by Portsmouth International Port, Swanbarton and Energy Systems Catapult will demonstrate how a port can operate as a smart energy network.

The port has significant energy generating capabilities from solar panels across the site, and the ability to integrate generation with energy storage and smart energy management means that clean energy can be used more efficiently when required.

Dr Jonathan Williams, CEO of Marine South East says: “The decarbonising of our ports and shipping sector presents enormous challenges requiring innovative energy systems. MSE is delighted to be leading the PESO consortium to explore the role of port batteries in this energy transition.”