A Green Wave of Innovation Hits European Ports
The European Union is making waves—literally—with its latest initiative to transform ports into eco-friendly hubs of sustainability. The TREASURE project, a groundbreaking EU-backed effort, has handpicked 52 cutting-edge solutions to tackle environmental challenges in Euro-MED ports. Among the standout innovators are SolarinBlue, a pioneer in offshore solar energy, and Eco Wave Power, a trailblazer in wave energy technology. These companies are set to redefine how ports operate, making them greener, more efficient, and future-ready.
The TREASURE initiative (Testing Novel Environmental Quality Measures in and Around Euro-MED Ports) launched its call for expressions of interest in September 2024, seeking solutions to pressing issues like renewable energy deployment, water management, biodiversity protection, and air quality improvement. With 59 applications from 47 organizations across 13 countries, the competition was fierce. But the selected technologies promise to deliver scalable, impactful results that could reshape the maritime industry.
Offshore Solar: Powering Ports Without Compromising Land
One of the most exciting innovations comes from SolarinBlue, a French company specializing in offshore solar energy. Their floating solar panels are designed to harness the sun’s power at sea, offering ports a unique way to reduce their carbon footprint while optimizing space.
“By deploying solar energy offshore, ports can achieve energy resilience without sacrificing valuable land resources,” SolarinBlue explained in a recent statement. The company is already making strides, having secured €6 million in funding from the French government as part of the France 2030 program.
The next phase for SolarinBlue involves workshops with project partners and potential pilot implementations. These trials will demonstrate how offshore solar can play a pivotal role in the energy transition of maritime infrastructures, setting a precedent for ports worldwide.
Wave Energy: Riding the Tide Toward Sustainability
Wave energy is another game-changer in the TREASURE project. Eco Wave Power, a leading developer in this space, is bringing its innovative technology to the table. By converting the kinetic energy of ocean waves into electricity, this solution offers a reliable and renewable energy source for ports.
Wave energy’s scalability and minimal environmental impact make it an ideal candidate for ports looking to diversify their energy mix. With the potential to be deployed across various port environments, this technology could soon become a staple in the quest for greener harbors.
What’s Next for TREASURE?
By December 13, 2024, the TREASURE project had shortlisted 52 solutions, each with the potential to address critical environmental challenges. A transnational committee is now evaluating these innovations, with some set to be implemented in TREASURE ports as early as next year.
From offshore solar farms to wave energy converters, the future of ports is looking brighter—and greener—than ever. As these technologies move from concept to reality, they could pave the way for a more sustainable maritime industry, proving that innovation and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.
