PNDC, one of the University of Strathclyde’s flagship industry-facing innovation centres, is thrilled to announce the successful acquisition of Alpha Funding from Round 3 of the Strategic Innovation Fund for the innovative SeaChange project. The project aims to expedite the decarbonisation of the marine sector, a vital component of the UK’s economy.
Funded through the Strategic Innovation Fund, an Ofgem initiative managed in collaboration with Innovate UK, the project exemplifies the power of partnership, bringing together a diverse range of collaborators, including SSEN Distribution, European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), Ricardo, Associated British Ports (ABP), British Ports Association (BPA), National Gas Transmission (NGT) and the University of Strathclyde Centre for Energy Policy (CEP).
As the marine sector embarks on this crucial transition, it is expected to significantly increase national electrical demand. Given the sector’s complexity and its critical role in supporting island communities, addressing this challenge is imperative.
Key Objectives of the SeaChange Project
Develop a Localised Energy Transition Model:
Create a replicable framework for exploring energy transition scenarios tailored to the marine sector and the electricity network.
Innovative Demand Assessment Tool:
Develop a tool to analyse potential maritime energy demands and optimise network investment planning.
Business Model Exploration:
Investigate viable business models to facilitate the transition towards decarbonisation.
Regulatory Insights:
Examine the regulatory implications for essential national infrastructure.
Regulatory and Policy Leadership
As a flagship innovation centre at the University of Strathclyde, PNDC merges academic insight with its expertise in whole energy systems research and demonstration. Building on its experience with a ‘Living Lab,’ PNDC will establish a ‘Living Port’ demonstration in the project’s Beta phase, employing advanced modelling and real port data links. Additionally, PNDC colleagues within the University of Strathclyde’s Centre for Energy Policy will lead Work Package 3, focusing on the regulatory and policy landscape that will shape SeaChange, particularly in energy and maritime contexts.
Strategic Investment in Networks and Ports
By collaborating with industry and academic partners who bring relevant expertise, SeaChange will pave the way for maritime decarbonisation and inform strategic investment decisions for networks, ports, and their users. While the sector faces significant challenges, substantial electrification is essential for all potential pathways to decarbonisation. Previous research has largely targeted specific maritime sectors or vessel types; however, SeaChange will adopt a holistic, whole-port perspective, engaging directly with port authorities and stakeholders to enhance understanding and build confidence in their decarbonisation journeys.
Initially concentrating on ferries, cruise ships, and container vessels, the project aims to develop a model that can be broadly applied across the sector. Furthermore, it seeks to explore its relevance for other critical national infrastructure, such as airports.
The SeaChange project is designed to address the urgent need for decarbonisation in the port sector which will be vital to the UK economy and island communities. Investigation into potential economic impacts and regulatory implications will ensure that this critical infrastructure can meet future demands effectively. We look forward to working together with the project partners to facilitate a smoother transition to sustainable ports.
Achieving the UK’s ambitious target of zero-emissions shipping by 2050 will significantly increase electrical demand at our ports and harbours. The SeaChange project aims to provide crucial insights and opportunities for managing this transition more cost-effectively, driving network innovation through advanced modelling of energy demand scenarios. We are excited to collaborate with leading innovators in the energy sector and to play a vital role in accelerating maritime decarbonisation.
For further information on SeaChange and collaborative opportunities, please contact us or email pndc@strath.ac.uk.
About the Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund
The purpose of Ofgem’s Strategic Innovation Fund is to support network innovation that will contribute to achieving net zero rapidly and at lowest cost; deliver real net benefits to network companies, energy users and consumers; and help the UK to become a global hub for energy. It aims to work with other public funders of innovation so that activities appropriately funded by energy users and consumers are coordinated with activities funded by Government. The Fund is delivered in partnership with Innovate UK.
About Ofgem
Ofgem is Britain’s independent energy regulator. Our role is to protect consumers now and in the future by working to deliver a greener, fairer energy system.
We do this by:
- Working with Government, industry, and consumer groups to deliver a net zero economy at the lowest cost to consumers.
- Stamping out sharp and bad practice, ensuring fair treatment for all consumers, especially the vulnerable.
- Enabling competition and innovation, which drives down prices and results in new products and services for consumers.
About Innovate UK
Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is the UK’s innovation agency. It works to create a better future by inspiring, involving and investing in businesses developing life-changing innovations. Its mission is to help companies to grow through their development and commercialisation of new products, processes, and services, supported by an outstanding innovation ecosystem that is agile, inclusive, and easy to navigate