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Displaying items by tag: Hydropower at Eastham

The UK's second largest port operator, Peel Ports Group, has today announced its Queen Elizabeth II Dock at Eastham, England, will utilise energy from hydropower.

It’s the latest move to drive forward Peel Ports’ ambition to become net-zero across its network and operations by 2040.

The port operator has partnered with Czech renewable energy specialist Hydropol to install a state-of-the-art twin Archimedean screw generator, at the site’s 30 foot lock. Now connected to the Dock’s electricity network, it will generate up to 1,500,000 kWh per year – enough energy to power an estimated 190,000 homes for a day.[i]

Under a pioneering private energy purchasing agreement, Peel Ports will procure this renewable energy from Hydropol, solidifying its commitment to sustainable energy production and sourcing.

As well as providing energy to the Dock, the generator will power the site’s Green Automotive Hub, which has been enabling sustainable vehicle manufacturing since its launch in late 2023. The use of the hydropower generator to operate the Hub makes it even greener and fully energy independent.

Lewis McIntyre, Managing Director – Port Services at Peel Ports Group, said: “The introduction of hydropower at Queen Elizabeth II Dock is another major achievement as we seek to make our operations greener and more sustainable for the future. The amount of renewable energy set to be produced is significant and builds on Eastham Dock’s sustainable credentials.”

The introduction of hydropower to Queen Elizabeth II Dock is the latest move by Peel Ports to improve the sustainability of its operations across the UK, and builds on the company’s strong track record, with the Group having already reduced Scope 1 & Scope 2 emissions across its ports by a total of 32 percent, against its 2020 baseline.

In 2021 Peel Ports announced its commitment to becoming a net zero port operator by 2040, ten years ahead of the UK Government’s target, making it the first UK port operator to declare such ambitious decarbonisation plans.

[i] An average 3 bedroom house uses 7.95kWh a day.

Archimedean screw generator produces 1,500,000 kWh

1,500,000kWh divided by 7.95 = 187,500

Published in Ports & Shipping

As an island economy, a healthy maritime sector is key to our national competitiveness. Virtually all our imports and exports pass through Irish ports.

Ireland is dependent on ports and shipping services to transport goods and 90% of our trade is moved though Irish ports. Shipping and maritime transport services make a significant contribution to Ireland’s ocean economy, with the sector generating €2.3 billion in turnover and employing over 5,000 people in 2018.

Ireland’s maritime industry continues to grow and progress each year with Irish ports and shipping companies making significant investments. The ports sector in Ireland is currently undergoing a number of expansions and developments with Dublin Port’s Alexandra Basin development, the development of Ringaskiddy in Cork by Port of Cork and the development of Shannon Foynes Port. Along with these major investments, shipping companies are also investing heavily in new tonnage, with Irish Ferries, CLdN and Stena leading new build programmes.

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A recent study carried out for the Irish Ports Association (IPA) totalled 75.7 billion during 2004 and their net economic impact was some 5.5 billion supporting around 57, 500 full time employees.

Liam Lacey, Director of the Marine Institute’s Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) said, “The Irish maritime industry can look to the future with confidence. It has shown itself to be resilient and agile in responding to challenges. Over the past decade, it has had to respond to the challenges of the financial crisis of 2008, the uncertainty surrounding Brexit and recent challenges. Ireland’s maritime sector has continued to underpin our economy by maintaining vital shipping links for both trade and tourism.”