Current Direct is a new research and innovation project funded by the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 program that will revolutionize the way we move goods and people by water with the use of swappable containerized batteries connected to an Energy as a Service Platform. An article published in current direct explain about the current direct project.
Here’s an excerpt from that.
Why Current Direct Project?
Waterborne transport emissions represent about 13% of the overall EU greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector, with the potential to increase between 50% and 250% by 2050. In line with the Paris Agreement goals, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), in 2018, stipulated a greenhouse gas emission strategy aiming at reducing GHG emissions from the waterborne transport sector by at least 50% by 2050.
To achieve such ambitious goals, a new project called “Current Direct” emerging as zero-emissions energy technologies to reduce GHG.
About Current Direct Project
The Current Direct project addresses those challenges by developing and demonstrating an innovative, interchangeable waterborne transport battery system and an Energy as a Service (EaaS) Platform in an operational environment at the Port of Rotterdam at TRL7 that facilitates fast swapping, fleet optimization, and novel business models.
Objective Of Current Direct Project
- Reduce the total lifetime cost of waterborne transport batteries by 50%.
- Cut GHG emissions of the marine transport sector.
- Increase the installed energy of containerized energy storage systems by 300%.
- Trigger investments for innovation, employment, and knowledge creation.
Project Participation
Current Direct brings together thirteen dynamic partners from across Europe’s marine electrification value chain.
The project is led by Spear Power Systems, makers of the world’s lightest, most flexible marine batteries certified to the most stringent international safety standards.
Blackstone Technology is lowering the cost of manufacturing tomorrow’s 3D printed lithium-ion cells using state of the art active materials from Umicore.
The University of Hasselt will use its electrochemical expertise to develop physics-based models of the Current Direct cells. Current Direct Energy as a Service platform developed by Rhoé Urban Technologies and Aviloo.
Foreship will lend its expertise to EDP CNET’s in depth knowledge of electrical markets to ensure the Current Direct platform targets optimal vessels and locations maximizing reductions in emissions.
VUB’s material science experts are creating low-cost composites to improve the safety of battery packs that are designed for recyclability and feature VITO’s smart cell monitoring electronics.
Wärtsilä will develop modular battery containers and charging infrastructure that will be certified to innovative standards developed together with Lloyd’s Register.
The project will culminate in a demonstration of the Current Direct battery, shore charging, and asset management platform by Kotug in Rotterdam.
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Source: Current Direct
