Power X, the Japanese company that plans to use specially designed vessels loaded with high-capacity batteries to transport power from offshore windfarms to shore, has entered into a memorandum of understanding with NYK, Japan’s largest shipping line
The memorandum of understanding with NYK sets forth the terms of an alliance for the development and testing of Power X’s ‘Power Transfer Vessels,’ also known as the Power ARK concept, energy storage systems and electrically powered vessels.
The companies will collaborate to develop marine energy storage systems and control systems for the Power ARK power transfer vessels, test a prototype vessel and other initiatives to realise the Power ARK and electric vessel concept.
Power X chief executive Masahiro Ito said, “Through this alliance, we will work together to promote zero-emissions vessels and accelerate the adoption of offshore wind energy.
“This partnership with NYK will continue our efforts to develop marine energy storage systems and electric vessels.”
NYK senior managing executive officer Tomoyuki Koyama described marine batteries as a way to solve some of the obstacles facing renewable energy adoption and expansion. “By bringing much-needed innovation to zero-emissions vessels and offshore wind energy, Power X is taking a big leap beyond conventional battery storage.
“NYK will strive to resolve the many challenges to the shipping industry, such as the shift to zero-emissions vessels and automation, as well as the promotion and the adoption of renewable energy.”
In December 2021, Power X entered into an alliance with Imabari Shipbuilding, Japan’s largest shipbuilder, to jointly develop the Power ARK prototype. Imabari Shipbuilding is investing US$8.86M in Power X.
Power X and Imabari Shipbuilding aim to co-develop and build a Power ARK prototype by the end of 2025, with the participation of third-party companies as necessary.
Power X will develop and manufacture the battery storage system and other battery-related systems to be installed on the prototype. The company said that, once the prototype has been tested, it will enter full-scale operation.
“Even the smaller version of the Power ARK, with a capacity of 220 MWh, is expected to transport enough electricity for 209,000 Japanese households in one trip,” said Power X.
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