Study maps path to turning moored boats into floating power plants
Researchers identified five major barriers blocking boat-to-grid technology, which would let recreational vessels store and supply renewable energy when docked. The findings point to specific policy and industry coordination steps needed to unlock an emerging revenue stream for marinas and grid operators managing renewable intermittency.
Originaltitel: Docking the boat: Realizing boat-to-grid for recreational vessels through collaborative business model innovation
Boat-to-grid (B2G) has the potential to reduce the barriers for the electrification of the recreational boating sector and support the adoption of renewable energy sources. Despite considerable environmental benefits, such as reductions in noise and heavy metal emissions, technological and economic challenges hinder widespread adoption of B2G. Drawing on prior research and a case study from the Swedish recreational boating sector, this paper identifies key obstacles and enablers for B2G business models. The study shows how B2G can be realized during the four phases of the boating year and identifies core and peripheral actors with their specific challenges. Five general themes of barriers are identified: battery and infrastructure costs, uncertainty about the leadership and the future of electrification, system and technological barriers, access to insurance, and a lack of commonly recognized and attractive business models. For policymakers, the paper points to the potential benefits of policy support associated with knowledge development and improved industry coordination. • B2G enables electrification of recreational boats and supports renewable energy. • Aims to identify barriers and enablers for B2G specific business models. • Study builds on collaboration between Swedish maritime and energy sectors. • Barriers are costs, uncertainty, technology, insurance, and lack of shared BMs. • Policy support should focus on knowledge development and industry coordination.