The pioneering "enerPort II"project on the former coal island of the Port of Duisburg is entering real-world testing. Photovoltaic systems, combined heat and power plants, and fuel cell systems are intended to supply the energy for the largest container hub in the European hinterland.
The two Powercell containers. Photo: Stepniak.
The starting signal has been given for a pioneering project in the Port of Duisburg. Whether crane systems, terminal lighting, or the supply of heat and electricity to the office building: With the "enerPort II"project at the Duisburg Gateway Terminal (DGT), it will be demonstrated for the first time that a terminal of this size can be operated in a climate-neutral manner using solar energy and hydrogen – and could simultaneously supply neighboring districts with energy. The tests necessary for commissioning the system have now begun.
M.Bangen, V. Haase, M. Renner, M. Stipa, A. Fürderer, A.Garbar (from left to right)
The necessary electrical energy for the 235,000-square-meter site, once fully developed, will be generated by photovoltaic systems, fuel cell systems, and a combined heat and power plant. These power generation systems will be combined with battery storage and a microgrid for the intelligent control of all producers and consumers.
"What we are now doing here at the largest container hub in the European hinterland can become a blueprint for other sustainable terminal projects"said duisport CEO Markus Bangen.
The first hydrogen delivery took place in May, and since then all components have been successfully tested. "The grid connection has been approved, so the photovoltaic and battery storage systems can also contribute," added Alexander Garbar, Head of Corporate Development at duisport.
The recently installed new steel arch bridge.
A particularly clever feature: Ships in the port also benefit from the new infrastructure. They can be supplied with energy emission-free via shore power facilities – a further step towards reducing CO₂ emissions in port operations.
The project is being funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy with approximately €11.6 million – with the aim of testing the use and application of hydrogen technology in practice and in a highly networked national and international environment.
Photo: Blossey
The Fraunhofer Institute UMSICHT in Oberhausen is leading the research project together with duisport. Other partners include Westenergie Netzservice GmbH, Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG, Netze Duisburg GmbH, and Stadtwerke Duisburg.
The equipment includes a ground-mounted PV system with 1300 kWp, two hydrogen fuel cell containers with 600 kW electrical power each, two hydrogen combined heat and power plants with 940 kW electrical power each, and a battery storage system with 1600 kWh.
Fuel cell container
Facts & Figures
- Shareholders: duisport, HTS, Hupac and PSA
· Managing Directors: Christoph Kahlert, Sven Zölle
· Terminal area: 235,000 sq m
· Area in operation (1st construction phase): 150,000 sq m
· Capacity (final expansion): up to 850,000 TEU
· 6 full-track rail yards under cranes (12 in final expansion)
· 3 gantry cranes (at least 6 in final expansion)
· 6 berths for inland vessels
https://duisport.de/
