Zero Emission Vessels – The Tide is Turning
Battery based energy storage systems for marine applications are finally moving, cleanly along the global waterfront at full speed. The UN Report on climate change on November 2, 2014, stated that the unregulated use of carbon based fuels must cease by the end of the century. While people can debate the causes of global climate change, this type of strong statement is increasingly familiar. The shipping industry is one of the largest consumers of carbon-based fuel, and as such, has great reason to be concerned.
Corvus Energy Joins Aquarius Project
Fukuoka, Japan's Eco Marine Power Co. Ltd. announced that Corvus Energy will supply the energy storage component for its patent-pending Aquarius Wind and Solar Power System for ocean-going ships. Since 2010, Eco Marine Power has worked on developing an advanced integrated system of rigid, photovoltaic-equipped sails and energy storage modules to allow ocean-going ships to harness renewable energies and reduce their need for oil. The rigid sails are used for propulsion and are covered in solar panels to capture solar energy. Corvus Energy’s lithium-polymer battery technology will store energy collected by the array of wind and solar panels. The batteries will then be used to power the ship’s operational equipment or, alternatively, be used as a power source when at harbor or at anchor.
