Aqua SuperPower and BlueGrid have begun the first transatlantic vessel-to-grid project for marine electrification.
Key technology for vessel-to-grid projects
The £1.8m (US$2.3m) Can-UK vessel-to-grid (V2G) project will unite UK and Canadian teams to create a transatlantic V2G project for electric vessels. V2G’s bi-directional charging technology enables electric vessel batteries to receive and supply energy, which is expected to cut carbon emissions, slash e-vessel costs, boost grid flexibility and speed up e-vessel adoption.
Credit: Aqua SuperPower
This transatlantic partnership will deploy bi-directional chargers and electric vessels in Plymouth in the UK and Halifax in Canada. These real-world installations will feature V2G capabilities in both software and hardware, onshore and on board the vessels. The dual locations, with their contrasting environmental and operational conditions, will demonstrate the bi-directional energy flow to and from the vessel batteries.
The CanUK vessel-to-grid project will adapt bi-directional tech from the automotive sector for marine use. Lab testing equipment and batteries are intended to deepen understanding of marine battery performance under various conditions. V2G standards will be integrated into vessel manufacturer RS Electric Boat’s 63kWh workboats, with R&D focused on battery and drive solutions.
A management platform will link all components, and testing will confirm interoperability. Without specific marine V2G regulations, best practices will be collaboratively developed with key regulators.
These solutions will be tested with key stakeholders and end-users for whom the new solution will produce carbon reductions, vessel operating cost savings and more desirable vessel solutions. According to the partners, V2G’s technology will assist with the adoption of communication protocols to ensure interoperability between vessels, chargers, grids and software management systems.
Marine electrification consortium
The consortium is represented by marine charge point operator Aqua SuperPower leading the UK partners, with vessel manufacturer RS Electric Boats and drive solutions provider RAD Propulsion. They are supported by the University of Plymouth and its expertise in marine electrification and battery chemistry. The Canadian partners are led by marine V2G software provider BlueGrid, with marine technology company Cove, Lennox Island First Nation for skills training, and Dalhousie University providing knowledge of battery energy systems. The transatlantic consortium will co-develop a V2G ecosystem, supporting V2G standards integration, battery R&D and energy market alignment.
Credit: RAD Propulsion
Adam Marshall, chief technology officer at Aqua SuperPower, stated, “Winning our second Innovate UK grant for vessel-to-grid technology highlights our leadership in marine electrification. We’re thrilled to lead the UK consortium and collaborate with our Canadian partners on this groundbreaking transatlantic project, showcasing the potential of bi-directional boat charging in different energy markets and environments.”
Credit: Aqua SuperPower
Andrew Boswell, CEO at BlueGrid, added, “International collaboration and innovation are cornerstones of this CanUK project. We proud to lead the Canadian team and work with our industry-leading UK partners for breakthrough vessel-to-grid deployments on both sides of the Atlantic. Together we will accelerate adoption of electric boats and emissions reductions, creating market opportunity in the process.”
Funding innovation
Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is working with Canada’s Ocean Supercluster to invest a combined total up to £4m (US$5m) in innovation projects that can involve a collaboration of industry and academia. The funding supports projects to deliver innovative outcomes in ocean technology.
The CanUK vessel-to-grid project is funded through this R&D program with the aim of stimulating the development and implementation of innovative technologies in ocean technology, and to build technical capabilities required for the development and economically sustainable production of the next generation of products and services.
Credit: RS Electric Boats
In related news, Aqua SuperPower recently begun its Virtual Bunkering for Electric Vessels (VBEV) demonstration, which it states is the world’s first vessel-to-grid project. Click here to read the full story.
