NPorts Unveils Innovative Container Wind Turbine at Port of Emden

Niedersachsen Ports (NPorts), the operator of state-owned ports in Lower Saxony, Germany, has recently introduced the first container wind turbine at the Port of Emden.

The installation, located at the main gate on the road to the Emspier, offers a unique combination of wind power, photovoltaics, battery storage, and car charging in one integrated solution. This groundbreaking system is currently undergoing testing as part of the EU-funded INTERREG project REDIIPorts, developed in collaboration with the Swiss startup FlowGen.

“The system is like the Swiss Army knife of wind turbines,” remarked Thomas Tröster, Team Leader for Electrical Engineering at Niedersachsen Ports (NPorts) in Emden, emphasizing the versatility and efficiency of the technology.

Tröster, along with his colleague Jens Kampen, has played a pivotal role in the Renewable Energy Development and Intelligent Implementation in Ports (REDIIPorts) project, aiming to explore sustainable electricity generation options at the Port of Emden.

Following their research on micro wind turbines, the team recognized the potential of container wind turbines to deliver higher power output. The newly installed system has already exceeded performance expectations, showcasing its effectiveness in harnessing wind energy.

Comprising two wind turbines mounted diagonally on a standard container, the setup also includes PV systems, battery storage, and car charging infrastructure. The lightweight yet durable composite materials used for the rotor blades and mast enhance the system’s efficiency.

“The ease of implementation and cost-effectiveness of container wind turbines make them a compelling renewable energy solution,” explained Kampen, highlighting the system’s high yield potential of over 45,000 kWh per year.

“By utilizing this innovative technology, we can power the main gate and surrounding areas of the port, as well as provide lighting for the car park, with surplus electricity fed back into our grid,” added Tröster.

According to Holger Banik, Managing Director of Niedersachsen Ports and JadeWeserPort Realisierungs, embracing small-scale renewable energy solutions like the container wind turbine is crucial for fostering sustainability, reducing emissions, and advancing green energy initiatives within ports.

“The favorable wind conditions at the Port of Emden make it an ideal location for such innovative projects. We are committed to exploring and implementing forward-thinking solutions that drive us towards a more sustainable future,” stated Banik.