Summary
- Volvo Penta is working with Varberg Energi and Ferroamp to test Boat-to-Grid (B2G) technology
- The technology enables hybrid and electric vessel batteries to assist the electrical grid and be compensated for it
- The charger technology used in the demo is provided by greentech company Ferroamp
- The collaboration aims to explore solutions for decarbonization at sea through B2G technology
- Volvo Penta aims to dominate the marine sector with sophisticated hybrid-electric propulsion starting in 2025
Article
In an effort to decarbonize at sea, Volvo Penta is working with Varberg Energi and Ferroamp to test Boat-to-Grid (B2G) technology, which allows hybrid and electric vessel batteries to assist the electrical grid and be compensated for it. This innovative approach not only helps back up the grid but also repurposes recreational boats that are often unused for many months of the year. Volvo Penta has been making strides in marine electrification for the past six years and is nearing a critical point where the costs of operating electric applications may become more profitable than diesel engines.
The B2G technology being tested by Volvo Penta and its partners involves an app created by Varberg Energi to control the energy flow of boats connected to a charger on shore. This allows the battery to be charged, discharged, and connected to various energy markets during the winter season when the boat is typically docked. With Volvo Penta’s experience in electrification across other sectors like buses and heavy-duty trucks, the company aims to dominate the marine sector with its hybrid-electric propulsion solutions that offer quiet and emission-free capabilities.
By turning boats into assets that can be used to stabilize the grid, Volvo Penta and its partners see a significant opportunity for both boat owners and the grid. The bidirectional DC charger technology used in the demo, provided by Ferroamp, allows power to flow in two directions and supports the integration of B2G technology. The collaboration between these companies aims to continue testing and exploring boat-to-grid technology while identifying business models that can make it a viable offering in the future.
The partnership between Volvo Penta, Varberg Energi, and Ferroamp not only contributes to grid stabilization but also helps in the exploration of solutions for decarbonization at sea. The aim is to build a fundamental understanding of the technology and its ecosystem, as well as to develop the necessary business models for its implementation. By demonstrating the financial savings and emission reduction capabilities of electric boats compared to traditional gas-powered boats, Volvo Penta hopes to accelerate the adoption of electrification in the marine sector.
In addition to the B2G technology, Volvo Penta is also introducing a fully integrated, sophisticated hybrid-electric propulsion system for heavy-duty vessels starting in 2025. This system offers features like quiet cruising, easy docking, and operation in emission-free zones, meeting all necessary environmental regulations. The company’s commitment to providing exceptional solutions for the marine sector aligns with its goal of leading the way in marine electrification and contributing to a more sustainable future.
Overall, Volvo Penta’s efforts in developing and testing B2G technology, along with its hybrid-electric propulsion systems, showcase a commitment to innovation and sustainability in the marine industry. The potential for utilizing boats as assets for grid stabilization highlights the multifaceted approach needed to decarbonize at sea and address global challenges related to grid stability and environmental impact. As the company continues to explore and refine these technologies, it aims to be at the forefront of the marine sector’s transition towards cleaner and more efficient propulsion solutions.
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