Electric Thames project investigates potential for vessel to grid charging

The discovery phase of an ambitious project is underway which could see a radical new relationship between Thames vessel operators and London’s electricity network.

The Electric Thames project, a collaboration between UK Power Networks, LCP Delta, and Marine Zero, is assessing the viability of using electric vessels to feed stored electricity back into the capital’s energy network, accelerating the transition to Net Zero.

The principle is battery-powered vessels on the Thames could store green energy when it is cheap to do so and feed it back to the grid during peak electricity demand hours. The approach would help increase the capital’s flexible energy capacity and reduce peak electricity demand.

The project, which is in its initial scoping or “discovery” phase, supports the Port of London Authority’s transition to net zero emissions and London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s pathway for London to be Net Zero Carbon by 2030. The project, unded via the Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund and administered by Innovate UK, will conclude at the end of May.

Thames vessel and quay operators will be surveyed over the coming weeks to identify and map out their needs, allowing power suppliers to plan and complete any works needed to facilitate the river’s electric transition.

Andy Hurley, director at Marine Zero, said, “Electric Thames isn’t just about achieving zero emissions on our capital’s river – it is even more exciting and significant than that. Along with our project partners at LCP Delta and UK Power Networks, we are developing a completely new approach to increasing energy flexibility by developing new income streams new and flexible solutions for vessel and quay operators.

“We are delighted that Marine Zero has been selected to support the discovery phase of the project using our maritime experience and intelligence, and we look forward to engaging with operators along the Thames over the coming weeks.”

Luca Grella, head of innovation at UK Power Networks, said, “This is a first-of-its-kind project in the UK, and one that is operating at the forefront of energy innovation. Tapping into this potential will not only help us create a cleaner Thames for everyone but will also give us an additional supply of flexible, green energy which will help our transition to a decarbonised energy system.

“We’re thrilled to be leading the way in this space and are also looking forward to seeing how this approach could be scaled to other rivers across the country.”

The project will also act as a catalyst to decarbonise river transport. Most of the boats, quaysides, and ports operating on the Thames – which supports a busy freight sector as well as 8-million passenger trips per year – currently rely on fossil fuels.

But as increasing numbers of Thames vessel and quayside operators move to electric power sources, there is limited understanding about how the shift will affect the capital’s power network and peak power demands.

The outcomes of the project could shape a new whole-system planning framework for the nation’s rivers, canals, and waterways, offering insights for decarbonisation and electrification that could be replicated across the UK.