The Opportunity for Low Carbon Ports.

What is Low Carbon Infrastructure?

Low carbon infrastructure refers to the development and implementation of infrastructure projects that significantly reduce carbon emissions throughout their lifecycle. This approach is crucial in combating climate change and achieving global sustainability goals. Low carbon infrastructure encompasses various sectors, including transportation, energy, and construction, and involves the use of innovative materials and technologies to minimize environmental impact.

How Does Low Carbon Infrastructure Save Emissions?

Low carbon infrastructure saves emissions by focusing on several key strategies:

1. Material Selection: Using low-carbon materials such as recycled steel, low-carbon concrete, and sustainably sourced timber reduces the carbon footprint of construction projects. For example, low-carbon concrete can be achieved by reducing the amount of cement, which is a major source of CO2 emissions.
2. Energy Efficiency: Implementing energy-efficient designs and technologies in buildings and infrastructure reduces the overall energy consumption. This includes the use of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, as well as energy-efficient lighting and heating systems.
3. Lifecycle Approach: Considering the entire lifecycle of infrastructure—from material extraction and manufacturing to construction, use, and end-of-life—ensures that emissions are minimized at every stage. This approach promotes recycling and repurposing materials, further reducing the carbon footprint.

Materials Involved in Low Carbon Infrastructure

The materials commonly used in low carbon infrastructure include:

• Recycled Steel: Reduces the need for new steel production, which is energy-intensive and emits significant CO2.
• Low-Carbon Concrete: Achieved by using alternative binders and reducing cement content.
• Sustainably Sourced Timber: Timber from sustainably managed forests can act as a carbon sink, storing carbon dioxide absorbed during the tree’s growth¹.
• Recycled and Reused Materials: Incorporating materials from demolished structures into new projects reduces waste and the need for new raw materials¹.

Examples of Low Carbon Infrastructure Buildings

Several countries have implemented notable low carbon infrastructure projects. For example, Norway. The Powerhouse Brattørkaia in Trondheim is an energy-positive office building that generates more energy than it consumes over its lifecycle. In Sweden, the Sara Cultural Centre in Skellefteå is one of the world’s tallest timber buildings, using locally sourced timber and innovative energy systems. Moreover, the Monash Woodside Building for Technology and Design in Melbourne demonstrates that large-scale sustainable buildings can be constructed with conventional budgets.

THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT

Governments worldwide are increasingly supporting low carbon infrastructure through policies and funding. For instance, the UK government has committed significant investments to accelerate the development of green industries and infrastructure. Similarly, the US and EU have introduced various initiatives to promote sustainable construction and renewable energy projects.

Opportunities for Low Carbon Infrastructure in Ports

Ports present unique opportunities for low carbon infrastructure due to their strategic locations and roles in global trade.

Renewable Energy Integration: Ports can serve as hubs for renewable energy production, such as offshore wind farms and solar power installations. Transitioning port operations from diesel to electric power can significantly reduce emissions, which includes the use of electric cranes, vehicles, and shore power for ships. Finally, carbon capture and storage: Ports can be equipped with facilities for carbon capture and storage, helping to manage emissions from industrial activities.

Big Ticket Business

Implementing low-carbon strategies in ports is essential for reducing emissions, but it is not without challenges. Transitioning to low-carbon technologies and infrastructure requires significant upfront investment. This includes the cost of new equipment, such as electric cranes and vehicles, and the development of renewable energy facilities. Smaller ports, in particular, may struggle to secure the necessary funding.

Many low-carbon technologies, such as hydrogen fuel cells and advanced battery systems, are still in the early stages of development. This creates uncertainty around their reliability, efficiency, and total cost of ownership. Additionally, the production capacity for biofuels and other alternative fuels is currently limited.

Regulatory Uncertainty

The regulatory environment for decarbonisation is evolving, and ports must navigate a complex landscape of local, national, and international regulations. Uncertainty about future regulations can make it difficult for ports to plan long-term investments.

Implementing new technologies and infrastructure can disrupt port operations. For example, installing shore power systems or retrofitting equipment to use alternative fuels may require temporary shutdowns or reduced capacity. Ports must balance these disruptions with the need to maintain efficient operations.

The transition to low-carbon operations requires a workforce with new skills and expertise. Ports need to invest in training and upskilling their employees to operate and maintain new technologies. This can be a time-consuming and costly process. Changing perceptions and behaviours regarding decarbonization can be challenging. Some stakeholders, including port operators, shipping companies, and local communities, may resist changes due to concerns about costs, operational impacts, or job security.

Existing port infrastructure may not be compatible with new low-carbon technologies. For example, older ports may lack the electrical capacity to support widespread electrification of equipment. Upgrading infrastructure to meet these new demands can be a significant challenge. Ports are part of a larger supply chain, and their efforts to reduce emissions depend on the actions of other stakeholders, such as shipping companies and logistics providers. Coordinating these efforts and ensuring that all parts of the supply chain are aligned can be difficult.

Despite these challenges, many ports are making significant strides towards decarbonisation. By addressing these obstacles through strategic planning, investment in technology, and collaboration with stakeholders, ports can play a crucial role in reducing global emissions and promoting sustainable development.

Yet, the opportunity for infrastructure investment in green ports is substantial. To significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the shipping industry, it is estimated that at least US$1 trillion will need to be invested between 2030 and 2050. This investment is crucial for achieving a 50% reduction in shipping emissions by 2050. Governments are actively supporting green port initiatives. For example, the UK government has allocated £33 million to 33 projects aimed at developing clean maritime technologies. This funding is part of a broader effort to decarbonize the maritime sector and support coastal economies.

Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition

The private sector is also playing a significant role. The Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition in the UK has leveraged over £45 million in private investment, demonstrating strong industry interest in clean maritime technologies. Investing in green ports not only helps reduce emissions but also offers economic benefits. Ports can become hubs for renewable energy production, such as offshore wind farms, which can create jobs and stimulate local economies. Additionally, green ports can improve air quality and public health in surrounding communities.

Figure 2: A green port model with decarbonisation tools piloted in UK ports

available via license: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International

Content may be subject to copyright.

The development and deployment of new technologies, such as electric and hydrogen-powered vessels, shore power systems, and carbon capture and storage facilities, are critical components of green port infrastructure. These technologies require significant investment but offer long-term benefits in terms of reduced emissions and operational efficiency. Ports are strategically important for global trade and supply chains. Investing in green infrastructure ensures that ports remain resilient and capable of supporting sustainable economic growth. This is particularly important as ports adapt to the impacts of climate change and evolving regulatory requirements.

The size of the opportunity for infrastructure investment in green ports is immense, driven by the need to decarbonize the maritime sector and the potential economic and environmental benefits. With strong governmental support and private sector engagement, green ports can play a pivotal role in achieving global sustainability goals. ARIA’s bio-cluster concept, one that seeks to optimise industrial symbioses of co-located facilities is in many respects most readily materialised within port infrastructure environments. The predictability of revenues marks this out as a very rich environment for institutional infrastructure investors.