Rotterdam Start-Up Makes Inland Shipping Sustainable With Ultra-Thin Solar Panels
In the Rotterdam port, inland delivering vessels are cruising with ultra-thin however durable photovoltaic panels on the hatches. This is exactly how the Rotterdam startup Wattlab is making inland delivering lasting. Bo Salet, founder of Wattlab: “With the energy transition, we have to make smart use of the space that is available. We are developing new applications for solar energy and generating energy where it is needed.”
The work space of Wattlab in De Kroon common structure is full of photovoltaic panels, power line and also welding torches. Bo: “Here, we develop and design. This workplace has been set up for rapid prototyping, so for making rapid prototypes. We compose the various layers of the panel ourselves and thus create solar panels with specific properties and shapes. In this way, we can make a wide variety of solar panels which meet unique requirements. From wafer-thin lightweight solar foils and bendable robust solar panels to flexible panels in any random shape. We integrate the entire solar system on existing products. This is why the total freedom of shaping, giving free rein to our ideas, is vital to us. With esthetically beautiful solar panels, our clients wish to achieve the maximum yield from the available space and furthermore all of that at an attractive price. This is our challenge!”
Better globe
With the applications for solar power, Wattlab makes an aware payment to the power change. Bo: “We are the first generation to fully realise what impact climate change will have on our lives and the last generation who can still do something about this. We wish to take on that responsibility. I am convinced that if we deal with climate change, at the same time we can create a better world. We must not minimalize the deterioration but seize this very situation in order to break through the standard and change it radically. In order to make progress and thus realize a better society for everyone.”
Logical action
Improving solar power is really a rational action for Bo Salet, David Kester and also Siebe Roef, the owners ofWattlab In 2016, the 3 males was familiar with each various other at the Nuon Solar Team of the TUDelft Inspired by the light panels in the auto racing automobile, they determined to incorporate pressures and also use their understanding throughout the board. A year later on, Wattlab was signed up with the Chamber ofCommerce Very quickly, the startup was come close to from numerous angles by individuals and also business with concepts for solar power.
For circumstances, considering that 2019, the shipment vans of on the internet grocery store Picnic drive round with ultra-thin photovoltaic panels which maintain the grocery stores cool down in the summertime. Via using, that year Wattlab likewise entered call with the globe of inland delivering. Bo: “We wished to make inland shipping sustainable and approached Damen to explore the opportunities. At the same time, we were approached by a captain who wanted solar panels on his ship. Damen put us in contact with Blommaert Aluminium Constructions which makes for instance ship hatches for the shipping industry. Then everything soon came together. In autumn 2020, we operated our first pilot and in late 2020 the solar hatches were commercially available.”
Freedom for the captain
Inland delivery might have the name of being traditional, however Wattlab has a various experience. “Soon, several captains were enthusiastic and wanted to take part in the pilot. The inland shipping world itself also sees the advantages of the solar hatches. By processing the solar panels in the hatches, we use existing space and we reduce a ship’s emissions. This also gives the captain freedom, he is free to moor where he wants and is not dependent on shore power.”
Silent evening
The manufacturing does not exist: On a yearly basis, 1 hatch produces approximately 2900 kilowatt hrs, which amounts to the usage by a standard Dutch home. Bo: “A ship with a length of 110 metres has 22 hatches. So this generates a great deal of energy. Ships with an electric engine can deploy solar energy for propulsion and thus save on fuel. In addition, much energy is consumed on board. Think of cranes, pumps, the navigation, as well as the accommodation for the crew. You can also deploy the panels here instead of diesel generators. The return time for a captain is about 5 to 8 years and then you have free energy. And of course cleaner air, less maintenance costs and no noise from the generator, so silent nights again.”
Resilience
Meanwhile, the 2nd pilot is occurring and also Wattlab has actually found out a good deal: “When we began, we knew nothing about inland shipping or ship hatches. Because loading and unloading can be rough, the hatches had to be able to withstand rough handling. We first made a system with lightweight panels on roller shutters because the stack height was still not a set requirement. When we succeeded with this at the end of last year, we could concentrate on the more frequently used stackable hatches, the ‘Friesche kap’, as they are called for inland vessels. In our last prototype, the solar panels including fixings, all the electrical connections and other electricals, are within the maximum available height of just 30 millimetres! We now have a product that is really ready for the market. Of course, it would be nice if the panels were fitted as standard on newbuild ships. However, they are also suitable for retrofit, so where you replace the old hatches by the solar hatches on existing ships.”
Shared difficulty
Collaboration is a concern forWattlab “If a party sees opportunities, we are happy to support these. Conversely, we also experience this in Rotterdam and the port. Everywhere, we meet people who contribute ideas and help to make things a success. The city and the port encourage initiative and innovations. You also see that constructive attitude at the Havenbedrijf. We have a shared challenge: the climate problem. By collaborating, we increase the chance of a successful outcome.”
The recommendations from Bo for various other business owners that desire to devote themselves to a lasting Rotterdam: “Just try it, go for it and talk about it. What you can do is extremely broad: from eating less meat to travelling by bike or using solar panels on your ship, you can contribute in all kinds of ways. You learn by falling on your face, don’t be afraid and do what suits you!”
Reference: portofrotterdam.com
Marine Insight does not have the civil liberties of the video clip.