Shell has inaugurated its first self-developed megawatt charger for use by both electric shipping vessels and trucks at its Energy Transition Campus Amsterdam (ETCA).
The capacity of the charger corresponds to about three 350kW regular fast chargers.
Hilmar van den Dool, GM eMobility, Shell said: “We want to help decarbonise our customers in the logistics sector. In addition to our investments in biofuels and LNG, we also invest in electric mobility. There are not that many electric trucks and vessels yet, so with this we’re investing ahead of the market that is growing quickly. It is in line with our ambition to provide more and cleaner energy solutions.”
Melissa Williams, President Shell Marine added: “We believe this solution will be helpful for shipping companies that control and operate logistics businesses across the supply chain, and often have facilities that serve both waterside and landside. The megawatt charger also offers the flexibility to charge a wide range of inland and port vessels such as barges, tugboats, service vessels and ferries. I’m excited at how the technology is now available, and deployed.”
The megawatt charger is connected to ETCA’s own microgrid. This smart grid enables integration between energy supply, energy storage, and energy demand. The ETCA microgrid includes 3,600 rooftop solar panels, stationary battery storage, a hydrogen electrolyser and other research equipment. The system is equipped with two separate charging arms. One rotatable arm is dedicated to electric vessels, the other arm serves land-based transport. With this innovation, Shell aims to contribute to a universal standard, so customers do not have to use different cables or connectors. By featuring a second adapter (CCS2) on each charging arm, the megawatt charger at the ETCA can accommodate a wide range of vessels and battery types for fast and flexible charging. Even though the megawatt charger is a demonstration set-up, it is ready for use, and vehicles and vessels with megawatt charging capability can now visit by appointment.
Image: Charging station at Shell Energy Transition Campus Amsterdam (credit: Shell Marine/Michel Campfens)
