Port Of Leith Unveils Green Hydrogen Shore Power Demo

The project integrates water treatment, waste heat utilisation and hydrogen production to provide clean shore power for maritime operations – an important step in the decarbonisation of ports.

The project sees the large tugs, operated by Targe Towing at the Port of Leith, now powered by green hydrogen when tied up.

READ: Port of Leith lays out shore power for ships

This project is part of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 4 (CMDC4), funded by the UK Department for Transport and delivered by Innovate UK under the £236 million ($306 million) UK SHORE programme to decarbonise domestic shipping.

Waterwhelm’s specialist treatment technology converts wastewater into fresh reuse water, producing green hydrogen at the Port of Leith without impacting local supplies.

Logan Energy’s electrolyser splits this water into oxygen and hydrogen, which fuels PlusZero Power’s Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (HICE) generator.

READ: Port Houston awarded $25 million to build hydrogen fuelling station

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona 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 decarbonise ports and shipping and I hope to see this replicated in ports across the UK and beyond.

READ: HPC to lead green hydrogen initiative across Baltic sea ports

Stuart Wallace, Chief Executive Officer of Forth Ports added: “This is an exciting green fuel transition initiative for Forth Ports and Targe Towing as we work towards 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.”

Last October, the Port of Newcastle signed agreements for Front End Engineering Designs (FEED) and Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) for various infrastructure projects for its Clean Energy Precinct (CEP).