S4 Energy saves a yearly 500 tonnes of CO2 emission in port of Rotterdam

S4 Energy has realised that their KINEXT (a flywheel-technology based energy storage system) can be used to operate a harbour crane fully electrically. The diesel generator that operated the crane before has been shut off, which saves fuel and a yearly CO2 emission of 500 tonnes. This solution makes it possible to electrify industrial processes without causing net congestion. As such, this innovation poses a huge potential for making the port of Rotterdam more sustainable!

Smart Energy Systems program

This innovation has partly been realised with the aid of the Smart Energy Systems (SES) program of the City of Rotterdam. With the SES-program, the city supports entrepreneurs with innovations that can help accelerate the energy transition. This support consists of a subsidy, help with follow-up financing, network and business development, and housing facilitation.

Working visit alderman Chantal Zeegers (Climate, Built Environment and Housing)

On January 12, 2024, the Rotterdam alderman Chantal Zeegers paid a working visit to S4 Energy at the United Waalhaven Terminals (UWT).

Zeegers: “It is marvellous to see that S4 Energy contributes to the electrification of harbour cranes. After all, there’s a huge potential for the energy transition in our port. The Smart Energy System program has helped more than 30 innovative entrepreneurs that make energy systems in Rotterdam more sustainable.”

S4 Energy and UWT realised a scoop with this innovation: it is the first application of KINEXT on a harbour crane. After the successful implementation in other applications (such as the managing of the stability of the Dutch electricity network) S4 Energy is ready to further explore the commercial possibilities of KINEXT. Their goal: allowing harbour cranes to fully operate on electricity, without congesting the electricity network.

On the photo, from left to right:

Jan Overdevest, CEO Waalhaven Group
Chantal Zeegers, alderman for Climate, Built Environment and Housing
Karin Hussman, Marketing and Sales S4 Energy
Dominique Becker Hoff, COO S4 Energy

Photographer © Arnoud Verhey