£15m to Test Zero-Emission Tech at Belfast Harbour — SkimNews
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- Belfast Harbour is set to become a live environment for testing zero-emission transport and energy systems backed by a £15m investment from UK Research and Innovation's Local Innovation Partnerships Fund.
- Artemis Technologies is leading a cluster connecting electric vessels, high-power marine charging, autonomous transport and energy systems through secure digital twin technology.
- Artemis CEO Dr Iain Percy said the digital network would tell boats to 'take the power' when wind generation is high and direct the harbour to absorb excess energy, potentially avoiding windfarm shutdowns and lowering energy prices.
- Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said the project would match energy supply with harbour demand, calling Northern Ireland 'world leading' — with the work funded as the second project from a £30m allocation to the Belfast-Derry Innovation Corridor.
- Foyle Port and other Northern Ireland regions have already signed up to adopt the system, according to Dr Percy, who said the technology could be 'rinse and repeat anywhere else.'
Why it matters: If the integrated system works, Belfast Harbour — a major energy user — could absorb excess wind power that would otherwise be curtailed, with Dr Percy claiming this would lower energy prices; the project also positions itself as a replicable model for other ports, with Foyle Port already signed on.
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