Energy services firm Custom Solar has installed 2,660 solar panels at Portsmouth International Port.
Work to build the huge solar and battery system at the port began in February 2022. It incorporates roof-mounted solar panels across a number of buildings, a large battery and solar canopies.
The 2,660 panels will contribute around 35% of the site’s power.
The port eventually hopes to offer shore power for smaller ships, without having to take extra power from the local electricity grid.
When complete, the 1.2MW peak system will be the largest solar and battery installation to date across Portsmouth City Council’s portfolio of renewable generation systems.
As well as generating carbon-free power, the solar canopies will provide shade for cars waiting to board ferries.
The battery, with a capacity of 1.5MW/hours (enough to run a typical home for four months), will capture power that would otherwise be exported from the site, which can then be used at the port when needed.
When complete, it is estimated that in peak conditions 98% of the electricity consumed by the port will come from the solar and battery, combined.
Jerry Clarke, pilot and senior project manager at Portsmouth International Port, added: “The port is owned by the people of Portsmouth, so we have a obligation to reduce the impact of our operations on the environment, whilst reaching the ambitions set out in our 20 year masterplan.
“Combined with other sustainability initiatives, it will help us achieve our ambition of reaching net-zero carbon by 2030, and becoming one of the UK’s first zero emission ports by 2050.”
