From tradition to transition: Exploring LCP Delta’s role in decarbonising the River Thames

For centuries, London’s River Thames has connected people and places, powering the city’s growth. Now, as decarbonisation efforts accelerate, the Thames is taking on a new role: a dynamic energy asset capable of enhancing the resilience of London’s power network.

At LCP Delta, and alongside partners UK Power Networks, Marine Zero, ev.energy and the Port of London Authority, we are leading this transformation, with the pioneering Electric Thames project, funded by Ofgem’s Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF).

Figure 1: Traffic heatmap of all vessels operating on the Thames on 08/03/24 at 5AM GMT (top) and 5PM GMT (bottom).

Importantly, the data is showing us what journeys are being made, when they are being made, and where the vessels would need to charge. By carefully considering these factors, as well as any network reinforcement requirements, Electric Thames is mapping a clean-powered pathway for decarbonised vessels to operate seamlessly.

Floating flexibility

One of the most promising findings from the project's Discovery phase is the potential value of B2G technology. As well as providing operators with the opportunity to reduce their operational costs by selling unused power back to the grid, B2G brings a system benefit to the network.

Here's how it works:

• Vessels as energy assets: When moored, operators of electrified vessels can participate in the ancillary services market and feed surplus power back into the grid to support the network during peak demand.
• Battery barges: Another application of B2G could be in the form of a battery stored on a barge. These floating batteries could be charged overnight when the price of electricity is low and moved to areas of peak demand to support the network and minimise reinforcement costs.

By turning vessels into active participants in the energy system, we're enhancing flexibility and supporting London’s power network with resilience during peak times.

Figure 2: Example of a battery barge in operation, reducing strain on the grid

By turning vessels into active participants in the energy system, we're enhancing flexibility and supporting London’s power network during peak times.

But what about the cost?

The Electric Thames project has the potential to deliver significant carbon savings, cutting emissions across London’s busiest waterway and improving air quality for millions of residents. By transitioning clean-powered vessels and integrating innovative energy management solutions, the project demonstrates a tangible path toward decarbonising other urban waterways in the UK, and beyond.

The benefits are clear, but is it all affordable?

Our initial analysis suggests that operators could see significant operational cost savings by switching to electric, including:

• Fuel cost saving.
• Cheap electricity by charging during off-peak periods.
• Reduced maintenance cost.

Despite these savings, arguably the biggest challenge remains in the upfront cost to transition the existing fleet. To tackle this, Electric Thames is exploring innovative new business models that incorporate different players in the energy transition to reduce the burden on individual stakeholders.

Our New Energy Strategies research service service identifies and evaluates new business business models that make this transition feasible and financially attractive by asking the tough questions: What revenue streams can new technologies unlock? How can costs and risks be fairly distributed among stakeholders? And how do we incentivise early adoption while ensuring long-term scalability?

By leveraging this expertise, the project team is creating the robust, innovative frameworks needed to support investors and stakeholders invest in projects like Electric Thames and drive the wider transition to net zero.