A groundbreaking Japanese project has released design details for its innovative battery tankers, set to revolutionize the renewable energy sector by forming the basis of a power transmission network. These vessels will efficiently distribute green energy generated in high-potential regions to areas with greater demand. The ambitious venture builds on earlier proposals from Japanese startup PowerX Manufacturing, which now anticipates the initial vessels to enter service by 2026.
Transforming Maritime Power Transmission
The Battery Tanker “X” is no ordinary vessel; spanning 459 feet, it is fitted with 96 containerized marine batteries offering 241MWh capacity. PowerX Manufacturing emphasizes the system’s scalability, as more batteries can be integrated for larger electric transport vessels. One such concept is the Power Ark 1000, a ship designed to carry 100 grid batteries and transport up to 200MWh of energy from wind farms, adaptable to fulfill specific mission needs. The proof-of-concept vessel aims for a range of roughly 180 miles and a speed of 10 knots, taking just three hours to charge. Previously, PowerX Manufacturing planned for the vessel to be entirely autonomous in its operations.
The proprietary battery system utilizes lithium iron phosphate cells, which reportedly ensure a lifespan of over 6,000 cycles. The inclusion of dedicated gas emission control and fire suppression mechanisms further guarantee safety, as do real-time monitoring features for battery systems, charging controllers, and power conversion systems. PowerX Manufacturing will manufacture the batteries in-house, with delivery expected to begin mid-2024 after obtaining international ship classification certification.
Ocean Power Grid: Advancing Maritime Power Transmission
The third quarter of 2023 marks the establishment of Ocean Power Grid, dedicated to advancing the maritime power transmission business using the battery tanker concept. This new company will own, sell, and operate battery tankers in Japan and abroad. The project’s completion is slated for 2025, with domestic and international field testing scheduled to commence in 2026.
The battery tanker has multiple applications for storing and transporting power from offshore renewable generation sites and transferring energy between land locations. PowerX Manufacturing proposes retrofitting decommissioned or idle thermal power plants near ports into charge/discharge points for battery tankers. This would enable the efficient use of renewable energy by transmitting the power to users through grid connections on land.
PowerX Manufacturing asserts that battery tankers offer an optimal solution for short-distance maritime power transmission, complementing existing inter-regional grid transmission lines. The future improvement of batteries and decreasing costs will make longer-distance transmissions between offshore wind farms and land feasible.
Establishing Oceanic Power Transmission Networks
The inception of battery tankers will create new oceanic power transmission networks, encouraging the storage, supply, and use of renewable energy. Tackling issues such as extended downtime from undersea cable malfunctions and high costs linked to ultra-high voltage connections, these vessels enable the installation of offshore wind farms in challenging locations.
In its announcement, PowerX Manufacturing also revealed collaborations with Kyushu Electric Power Co. and the City of Yokohama. They plan to leverage the battery and transport system to aid local companies in the port, promoting the storage and use of renewable energy. Furthermore, they will explore using the technology to address existing regional grid system constraints. PowerX Manufacturing has partnered with Imabari Shipbuilding and Japanese shipping firm NYK to develop the prototype vessel and test the battery-carrying ship.
