How has the energy landscape impacted the European port sector?

The changing energy landscape in Europe, marked with the development of the Energy Union in 2015, had a profound impact also on the European port sector. With European ports becoming key points of energy production, but also being prominent energy users, energy consumption has naturally risen into a top environmental priority for port authorities.

What is the energy supply for port operations?

The energy supply for port operations can be from fossil fuels, clean fuels including renewable sources. The energy can also be obtained from the grid in the form of electricity or it can be generated within the port. In this section, renewable energy and other clean fuels are assessed as the energy supply for ports. 4.2.1. Renewable energy

How are environmental regulations affecting port operations?

Stricter environmental regulations are adopted by authorities to limit pollutants and GHG emissions arising from energy consumption. Increasingly, port operational strategies and energy usage patterns are under scrutiny.

Are European ports addressing energy issues?

The majority of European ports prove to be addressing energy aspects only through the broader framework of environmental management, with efforts allocated on the issues covered by the latter often varying, usually at the expense of the ones related to energy.

How can technology improve energy management in ports?

Technological advances in harnessing renewable energy are also relevant for ports as renewable sources are increasingly used. In this sense, new technologies including smart grid and microgrid to manage energy demand and supply can enhance energy management in ports. All relevant technological advancements are reviewed in the following sections.

What is energy consumption in a port?

The energy consumption can be in the form of electricity or fuel. In the recent years, there has been a shift towards electrification of equipment along with the use of electricity generated in a port from renewable energy sources. Electrification also replaces fuel to supply power for ships during hotelling at berths.