Public Funding for Rux Energy UK Ltd

Shoreside Power from Optimised Hydrogen Lifecycle (SPOHL) is an ultra-efficient, zero-emission system for cold-ironing with long-duration, bulk energy storage to balance the seasonal variation in renewable energy systems. This enables it to be an entirely stand-alone system with no need for a grid-connection. It brings together novel technologies that cover the entire Hydrogen value chain from production to end use. A solar PV system (Cranfield) provides power for vessels to cold-iron when at berth. During long periods when supply exceeds demand, surplus electricity is fed through a high-efficiency (99%) DC-DC converter (Hywaves) to an electrolyser which produces hydrogen which is fed to low-cost, 2-stage, multi-organic-framework (MOF)-enabled storage (Rux). During long periods when demand exceeds supply hydrogen is supplied to a high-efficiency (70% brake thermal efficiency) internal combustion engine-based generator (Carnot) which provides the electricity for cold-ironing. A small-scale, high C-rating battery is also incorporated in the for managing sudden load changes / peak shaving. The project targets the specific themes of "shoreside storage and bunkering of low and zero carbon fuel" and "charging infrastructure and management for electric vessels", "shore power solutions, such as enabling docked vessels to turn off their conventional power supply for ancillary systems", "shoreside renewable energy generation at the port to supply vessels", and "low carbon fuel production, such as hydrogen, methanol, ammonia". This project will solve critical challenges of providing flexible, reliable, resilient, highly-varying electrical power supply to docked vessels, replacing power generation through operation of onboard auxiliary engines. The project aims to showcase the best possible end-to-end electrical and cost efficiency basis for the use of hydrogen as a medium to long-term energy flow pathway, in part through lab demonstration of best-in-class hydrogen production, storage and conversion technologies (as above) but also through analysis and optimisation of potential energy flow scenarios underpinned by data collection at a number of ports (including but not limited to Belfast, Felixstowe, Rochester). In order to support the commercial justification for SPOHL Swanbarton, Brunel, Carisbrooke and Freeport East (plus ports and port authorities) will collect & collate data, build a representative port model and optimise across energy vectors to achieve low carbon operation of shoreside assets, with SPOHL at core, harnessing on-site renewable generation from multiple sources (wind, solar, fuel cells). The modelled system will comprise storage facilities for electrical energy and hydrogen, and operation will be optimised alongside energy inputs from grid connections and external green hydrogen sources.