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Decarbonisation

delivering net zero

Having established itself as a key gateway for the development of both onshore and offshore wind and as a base for many businesses working in the renewables sector, the Port of Blyth continues to be at the forefront of the UK’s drive for “clean energy”.

In addition to supporting businesses operating in the green sector, the Port is committed to significantly reducing its own carbon footprint from its operations over the coming decade as a result of a range of measures.

A recent survey by The Carbon Trust found that the Port’s carbon footprint was significantly better than accepted good practice. Nevertheless, the Board of Commissioners fully recognises the requirement for the Port to push forward with a decarbonisation agenda that will benefit all our stakeholders and indeed the planet.

The Port continues to fully support the UK Government’s Maritime 2050 initiative, including the goal of net zero carbon emissions from shipping and port related activities. Aligned with this, our Environmental Policy continues to focus on air quality, emissions in port, energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives.

Exemplar development

In 2020, the Port made huge strides with its commitment to support Government net zero targets through the multi-million pound investment programme in the Bates Clean Energy Terminal, offering enhanced facilities and the opportunity for low carbon focused investment and innovation. A good example of this is a project being advanced to extract heat from mine water at a site adjacent to the terminal to provide a significant amount of heat for buildings across the terminal on a net zero carbon emission basis. Download the Bates Clean Energy Terminal brochure here.

in partnership with

ORE Catapult
Northumberland County Council
GEOS Group
PTS Port Training Services

Clean energy credentials

The Port has set out a series of key processes that will enable it to achieve net zero operations and in turn dramatically reduce its carbon footprint.

Port Electrification

Port electrification will be a key element in the Port’s drive towards achieving national Net Zero 2050 targets. This will include moves to deliver shore-to-ship power and the decarbonisation of plant and equipment including everything from forklift trucks to heavy lift cranes. A new 120 tonne capacity electric crane will be delivered during 2021.

Alternative marine fuels

Working with a range of partners, the Port is exploring a number of alternative vessel fuel solutions all linked to the decarbonisation agenda. These include current lower carbon alternatives to marine gas oil and innovations such as green hydrogen, which offer significant future opportunities to decarbonise the world’s fleet of commercial vessels.

Solar power

The Port is committed to installing the latest technology solar power PV panels onto terminal perimeter earth bunds and on to the roofs of newly constructed or refurbished buildings across the estate wherever feasible. These will further reduce the carbon footprint of operators on site, offering a clean, energy efficient power supply.

Clean energy innovation

Working with the adjacent Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, the Port is exploring further technological innovations focused on increased efficiency and decarbonisation. The collaboration will consider a range of potential opportunities including green hydrogen demonstration, subsea robotics, vessel automation/power, renewable energy microgrids and any other initiatives that support growth and innovation across the renewables sector.

Port of Blyth