Developing Boat-To-Grid Technologies In Order To Electrify Marine Environments – CleanTechnica

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Using recreational boats that are simply taking up space for many months of the year to help back up the grid makes practical sense and provides a method to redirect leisure time to a productive asset for the grid. On the path to decarbonize at sea, Volvo Penta is employing a multifaceted strategy in which innovation is crucial. Volvo Penta is working with Varberg Energi and Ferroamp to test Boat-to-Grid (B2G) technology, which enables hybrid and electric vessel batteries to assist the electrical grid and be compensated for it.

Varberg Energi, an energy business, created an app to ease grid connection in order to test this B2G technology. Once the boat is on shore and linked to a charger, Varberg Energi can control the energy flow by charging, discharging, and connecting the battery to various energy markets during the winter season, when the boat would normally be parked on land.

Volvo Electric Boats

Six years ago, Volvo started pushing forward in marine electrification, which is fast nearing a critical point. “The cost of ownership is reaching a point where it is more profitable to operate an electric application rather than a diesel engine, and that is when the market will really take off,” explained Niklas Thulin, Director Electromobility at Volvo Penta.

It’s reassuring to see the application of V2G in this sector, the awakening of boat-to-grid technology. Volvo Penta also benefits from Volvo Group’s tried-and-true electromobility platform, which has already been successfully industrialized for buses, heavy-duty trucks, and construction machines. Volvo Penta has also unveiled hybrid-electric propulsion for yachts and commercial vessels.

Volvo Penta says it aims to dominate the marine sector with exceptional solutions today and tomorrow. Beginning at the end of 2025, Volvo Penta will commence limited-scale manufacturing of its fully integrated, sophisticated, hybrid-electric propulsion across its heavy-duty range, including yachts and commercial ships. With features like almost silent cruising and less noise in electric mode, the hybrid-electric propulsion package improves the working environment for crew members while also fostering a stronger relationship with the environment. The technology onboard uses battery power rather than a generator to provide quiet nights. Docking, departure, and operation are made easy and seamless by features like Joystick Driving, Joystick Docking, and Assisted Docking in Pure Electric Mode. The system also makes it possible to enter emission-free zones, which gives operators a major competitive edge and makes it easier to conduct business in places subject to environmental regulations. It satisfies all EPA Tier 3 and IMO II/III requirements.

Grid Stabilization

“If we can turn that boat into an asset and use its battery for the grid, it’s a significant opportunity for both boat owners and the grid,” says Niklas Lundin, Project Manager for Technology Exploration at Volvo Penta.

“The challenges of grid stability and environmental impact are universal, and this technology has worldwide potential,” says Mats Balkö, Business Area Manager of Innovation & Sustainability at Varberg Energi.

The charger technology used in this demo — a bidirectional DC charger that allows power to flow in two directions — is provided by greentech company Ferroamp.

“One of the unique features is that the charger is connected to a DC grid. We are also reusing some of the complex components, like the inverter, required to feed energy into the grid. So far, we’ve learned that this is a viable technology,” says Björn Jernström, Founder and Chief Technology & Innovations Officer at Ferroamp. The final goal of this collaboration is to continue testing and exploring the boat-to-grid technology while identifying the business models that would be needed for it to become an offer in the future.

“This collaboration helps us build a fundamental understanding of the technology and its ecosystem. It also offers insights into the business models required. Ultimately, our aim is to explore solutions on the path toward decarbonization at sea,” concludes Niklas Lundin.

Even though I enjoy stories like the one above, what really strikes me is the complete electrification approach. Demonstrating the financial savings and absolute lack of emissions possible across more sectors is important. As noted in a previous story, compared to 750€ to refuel a gas boat, an electric boat costs 40–50€ to cross the Baltic Sea.

If you want to explore more electric boat fun, Evoy Vita has introduced the most powerful electric outboard motor in the world.

Source: Volvo Penta