UWT saves 200,000 liters of diesel and 500 tons of CO2 emissions per year thanks to electrification of port crane with KINEXT energy storage system
With the commissioning of KINEXT, the flywheel technology-based energy storage system from Rotterdam-based S4 Energy, the Kone Gottwald harbor crane at United Waalhaven Terminals (UWT) in Rotterdam will be fully electrically powered starting today. The diesel generator that kept the crane moving in recent years has been turned off, both saving fuel and directly reducing annual CO2-emissions of 500 tons is avoided. This solution makes it possible to electrify industry without having to wait for a heavier grid connection.
KINEXT allows the crane to be fully electrically driven. The braking energy released when a load is lowered is stored in the flywheel. As soon as a load needs to be lifted, the flywheel delivers the stored energy back to meet the crane's peak demand. The combination thus maintains constant and low power consumption from the grid. This eliminates the need to invest in a larger grid connection. Without the use of the flywheel, an increase in the grid connection at the UWT terminal would have been necessary.
Jan Overdevest, CEO of Waalhaven Group: 'With the implementation of the KINEXT flywheel, we are taking an important step in making our terminal more sustainable. Our goal is to achieve emission-free transport and electrifying this crane contributes directly to that.'
Commercial director of S4 Energy, Dominique Becker Hoff, added: "UWT has now fully electrified the port crane without adding to the grid connection. This means no additional load on the power grid. With a short payback period and clear sustainability benefits, choosing a KINEXT energy storage system is not only attractive for UWT itself. Indirectly, it also helps grid operator STEDIN and surrounding companies in the Rotterdam port area by freeing up space on the already busy electricity grid.
UWT is scoring a first with this installation: it is the first application of KINEXT at a port crane. Following its successful implementation in other applications, such as maintaining the stability of the Dutch power grid, S4 Energy is poised to further roll out KINEXT commercially, allowing more port cranes to operate fully electric without further burdening the power grid. This innovative application of the KINEXT energy storage system came about in part with support from the Smart Energy Systems program of the Municipality of Rotterdam.
About S4 Energy
S4 Energy optimizes energy networks with turn-key, scalable and flexible energy storage solutions incorporating in-house developed hardware and software. S4 Energy helps grid operators, industry, transfer companies and others to make the best use of the available infrastructure and energy flows. With a clear focus on the added value of energy storage in practical applications, S4 Energy combines the best and latest technology with smart algorithms to create the optimal business case for its customers. S4 Energy's multidisciplinary team is ready to advise, but then also manages and supervises the energy storage project from start to finish.
S4 Energy - in addition to its broad knowledge in storage technology - has developed its own storage technology called KINEXT.
About Waalhaven Group
The Waalhaven Group has a leading position in the port of Rotterdam in the field of container storage and-repair, intermodal transport and container transshipment for inland shipping and short sea following the transshipment at the deep-sea terminals of Rotterdam and Antwerp. The Waalhaven Group has terminals in the Eem/Waalhaven area, the Botlek and in Born (L). The group also has a customs office for the management of customs permits, preparation of customs documents, fiscal representation and customs clearance.
