DISTRICT delivers blueprint for zero-emission port power

The project DISTRICT, funded through the Sino-Malta Fund 2023 by Xjenza Malta, has finalised the design and performance assessment for an innovative offshore power platform, providing a clean, reliable energy source that can accelerate the maritime sector's transition to carbon neutrality. The results confirm the system's ability to achieve 100% renewable energy supply for vessels at berth, completely eliminating direct local emissions.

Technical Validation Confirms 100% Reliability

The core of this solution is a comprehensive offshore system integrating two large-scale renewable energy assets: a 200 MW floating wind farm and a 300 MW floating solar PV farm. To ensure a continuous and reliable power supply, the platform uses a hybrid energy storage system, combining a 390 MWh battery energy storage system and a 1260 MWh compressed air energy storage system. The optimised platform to ship configuration successfully eliminated all energy deficit hours within the simulated operational period, proving that a purely renewable power source can reliably meet the demanding, 24/7 needs of docked ships.

Major Emission Elimination Impact

By enabling bunkering/anchored ships to connect to this clean power source and shut down their auxiliary diesel engines, the platform completely eliminates local operational emissions. The power delivery system can supply 6 MVA per berth, with the flexibility to provide up to 12 MVA for large cruise ships or other high-demand vessels. This direct-to-ship power capability delivers significant per-hour reductions in local air pollutants and greenhouse gases:

Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Approximately 3,025 kg eliminated.
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): Approximately 39 kg eliminated.
Sulphur Oxides (SOx): Approximately 9 kg eliminated.
Particulate Matter (PM): Approximately 1.7 kg eliminated.

This design offers a scalable solution for port electrification, especially for regions where land scarcity limits onshore alternatives, making the project a strong model for global maritime decarbonization efforts.