UK Power Networks (UKPN) is set to deliver 1.5MVA of energy to Net Zero Marine Services’ (NZMS) new battery storage facility on the River Thames.
The UK’s first ever high voltage shore power station above tidal waters will be used to charge electric boats traversing the river. The substation will be based on a fixed tidal platform above an ebb and flow tidal range of 7m. UKPN, which has funded the project through its Green Recovery Programme, has installed 1.8km of new cables and equipment to allow for the electrification of boats along the river. Outcomes of this will include lower carbon emissions, reduced water contamination and cleaner air.
UKPN has also made £1.2mn investment into the local electricity network to ensure that the connection could be made. This forms part of £66mn investment it is making across 85 sites through its Green Recovery Programme, which is devoted to fast-tracking low carbon energy projects. NZMS is developing five shore power locations in total across London, creating a network of high voltage power infrastructure for all Thames operators.
