BlueGrid, Evoy and ABCO Announce World’s First Successful Vessel-to-Grid
Pioneer in grid-integration intelligence for electric vessels BlueGrid, global market leader in high-output electric motor systems Evoy, and aluminum boat manufacturer ABCO announced today successful demonstration of the first high-power vessel-to-grid (V2G) globally. This innovative V2G technology allows bi-directional power transfer between electric vessel bateries and electricity grids, bringing new revenue for vessel owners and much needed energy storage to electricity grids for balancing intermitent renewable electricity generation.
“Today’s announcement is a world-first for the electric boating industry and a key milestone in the maritime sector’s transition to electric,” said Leif Stavøstrand, CEO of Evoy. “Combating climate change and achieving net zero requires substantial contributions from the maritime sector. Electric vessels are not only zero-emission, their batery capacity can also deliver crucial support to the grid, amplifying the potential to utilize renewable energy and further reduce emissions on a macro-scale.”
“This achievement demonstrates our commitment to building data and intelligence solutions that forge pathways from vessel owners to electricity grids, enabling those participating to achieve financially rewarding net-zero goals together,” said Andrew Boswell, CEO of BlueGrid. “The collaboration between BlueGrid, Evoy, ABCO and leading V2G charging system manufacturer BorgWarner verifies that vessel-to-grid is commercially feasible with the potential to accelerate the adoption of electric vessels around the world.”
New vessel-to-grid revenue streams for vessel owners further reduce the total cost of ownership of electric vessels, providing an important additional incentive for those in the marine sector to shift to sustainable options. While plugged in, electric vessels can cost-effectively bridge gaps in wind and solar electricity generation by providing grid support during peak electricity supply and demand periods without negatively impacting vessel operations.