New project spotlight: POTENT-X project launches to transform European ports to energy hubs

The POTENT-X (Ports as Energy Transition Hubs) project aims to transform European maritime ports into dynamic energy hubs.

Through POTENT-X the aim is to leverage ports as strategic sites for renewable energy generation, storage and distribution and thereby support Europe’s Green Deal and energy independence goals.

Due to their nature with diverse industries and activities, ports are challenging to decarbonise but their potential as catalysts for clean energy is immense.

POTENT-X plans to establish an initial two ‘living lab networks’ across the North Sea and Baltic regions centred respectively on the ports of Aalborg in Denmark and Trelleborg in Sweden.

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These networks will serve as collaborative platforms for real-world testing, knowledge sharing and co-creation of innovative solutions.

“Maritime ports are critical assets that can drive regional development and social cohesion while advancing Europe’s clean energy goals,” says Sonia Yeh, Professor in Transport and Energy Systems at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, and the Consortium lead.

“POTENT-X aims to position ports as frontrunners in the energy transition, integrating renewable energy technologies and fostering collaboration across sectors.”

POTENT-X has two key objectives of which one is technological advancement and integration. This will focus on optimising renewable energy systems, including wind, solar and alternative fuels, and enhancing digital infrastructure through smart ports and digital twins, with the aim for technology readiness level 7.

The second is stakeholder engagement, fostering collaboration to ensure societal acceptance and alignment of the energy transition with societal needs, with the aim for societal readiness level 6.

At the Port of Aalborg, the proposal is to leverage wind and power-to-X technologies and to develop decision-making tools for integrated energy systems.

At the Port of Trelleborg, with the aim for net zero emissions by 2040, the proposal is to explore green fuel options and establish ‘green corridors’ with partner ports.

A third partner organisation is being sought for another ‘living lab’ to focus on stakeholder collaborations and real-life testing of clean energy innovations, such as digital twins and smart ports.

Other members of the project consortium are Copenhagen Business School, Technical University of Denmark, World Maritime University, the University of Seville and the European Network of Living Labs.

POTENT-X is funded under the Clean Energy Transition Partnership with contributions from the Swedish Energy Agency, Innovation Fund Denmark, the European Commission and Agencia Estatal de Investigación, Spain.