A £24 million taxpayer-funded shore power system at one of Britain's busiest ports has never been operational because it is too expensive to run, according to recent revelations. The Sea Change project at Portsmouth International Port was completed last year to allow ships to switch off their engines and plug into the electricity grid while berthed, aiming to cut emissions and improve air quality.
Expensive Asset Risks Becoming Redundant
Mike Sellers, the port's director, has warned there is a significant risk that the infrastructure 'could be a redundant asset'. The system's electricity costs are approximately four times more expensive than marine fuel, making it financially unviable for shipping companies. Additionally, energy firm Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has not yet connected the system to the National Grid, further delaying its use.
Funding and Implementation Delays
The project, which enables ships to plug in at three of the port's five berths, received £19.8 million from the Department for Transport in September 2023 and an extra £4.6 million from Portsmouth City Council. Originally scheduled to be available from spring last year, there is currently no definitive plan for when it will become operational. Ships require power when docked to maintain essential onboard systems such as heating, lighting, and refrigeration.
Mr Sellers emphasised the challenges, stating: 'We're putting in shore power, but the cost of electricity is at a scale that's so high that it's far too expensive for the ships to actually plug in. There's a huge risk here this could be a redundant asset. We've got no guarantee that ships are going to plug in.'
Broader Net Zero Policy Criticisms
Ed Miliband's Net Zero agenda has faced accusations of driving up electricity prices. The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change has urged the Energy Secretary to replace current green policies with initiatives focused on cheaper power. Meanwhile, the British Ports Association trade body has expressed growing alarm in a letter to Business Secretary Peter Kyle, highlighting the government's failure to outline how the sector can remain competitive amid rising energy costs.
Shipping Industry Response
Portsmouth's largest customer, Brittany Ferries, introduced two hybrid ships last year as part of a £479 million investment, designed to be plugged in. However, these vessels continue to burn marine fuel while berthed because using the shore power system would cost around £2.5 million more annually. A company spokesman confirmed the financial impracticality, noting the prohibitive expense compared to using engines.
A Government spokesman acknowledged the situation, stating that they recognise the port has been 'waiting for an upgraded grid connection before shore power can be used'. This issue arises as the UK prepares to intensify its Net Zero targets and potentially align energy policy with the EU, under plans proposed by Sir Keir Starmer. A Cabinet Office memorandum advocates for 'dynamic alignment' of British law with EU regulations on renewable energy, which could further influence future energy costs and infrastructure development.
