Bates Clean Energy Terminal

The Port of Blyth’s ambitious redevelopment programme of the newly named Bates Clean Energy Terminal has seen major infrastructure works including a substantially upgraded heavy lift quay and the remediation of 5 hectares of development land implemented since 2020. These works are shortly to be combined with an exciting range of low carbon initiatives and innovation, to meet the needs of the offshore and renewables sector at the modern 17 hectare terminal.

These upgrades will support Government ambitions set out in the Clean Maritime Plan and 2050 net zero targets whilst also serving the operational needs of the offshore wind industry as it moves to adopt clean maritime technologies and dramatically reduce emissions associated with operation and maintenance.

Specific objectives include:

Mine water heating – this innovative project to extract heat from mine water from a site adjacent to the terminal is advancing well with private and public sector support across the region. The project will provide a significant amount of heat for buildings across the terminal on a net zero carbon emission basis.

Port Electrification – the terminal will be a key element in the drive towards port electrification in Blyth as part of support for national Net Zero 2050 targets. This will include moves to deliver shore-to-ship power and the decarbonisation of plant and equipment including everything from forklift trucks to heavy lift cranes.

Solar power - the Port is committed to installing latest technology solar power PV panels onto an earth bund on the terminal’s western perimeter and on to the roofs of newly constructed buildings across the site.

Clean energy innovation - working with the adjacent Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, the Port is exploring further technological innovations focused on increased efficiency and decarbonisation such as green hydrogen demonstration, subsea robotics, vessel automation/power, renewable energy microgrids and any other initiatives that support growth and innovation across the renewables sector.

Alternative marine fuels - working with a range of partners, the Port is exploring a number of alternative vessel fuel solutions all linked to the decarbonisation agenda, including lower carbon alternatives to marine gas oil and innovations such as green hydrogen.

Martin Lawlor, Chief Executive of Port of Blyth said: “The launch of the Bates Clean Energy Terminal represents another important milestone in the Port’s development as a major offshore energy base and in our commitment to the national decarbonisation strategy. With the support of national and regional partners, we are creating a unique opportunity for low carbon focused inward investment and are confident that this initiative will help to further expand the significant offshore energy supply chain already located around the Blyth Estuary.”

More information

Email:  tom.chaplin@portofblyth.co.uk