At the Port of Savona, a major step towards sustainable maritime operations is taking shape as work advances on a new energy hub backed by Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan and the government’s Green Ports Programme. The initiative is aimed squarely at decarbonising port activities while strengthening energy resilience.
The installation of a smart electrical grid, alongside photovoltaic systems across the rooftops of six warehouses, is now nearing completion. These upgrades will enable the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority to boost the production, storage and distribution of renewable energy in line with real-time demand, an important stride towards greater energy autonomy and security within the port.
A cornerstone of the project is already in place: two Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS, based primarily on lithium-ion technology. These systems ensure a continuous and seamless power supply during the night and in periods of reduced solar output. Further capacity is being added through the construction of three additional energy storage cabinets, while existing units are undergoing upgrades and interconnection works. Alongside these developments, the Port Authority is promoting the transition to electric mobility within the port area. An initial network of ten charging stations for the fleet of electric vehicles and handling equipment has already been installed, marking the first phase of a broader electrification strategy.
At the heart of the project lies an advanced IT Energy Management System (EMS), designed to coordinate energy production, storage and distribution in real time. Its primary objective is to maximise the use of locally generated renewable energy, reducing dependence on the national grid to a minimum and drawing on it only when necessary. Installation of the photovoltaic panels on warehouses T2, T3, T4, T7, T8 and MLM is at an advanced stage, with completion due by the end of June 2026. Overall, the entire project has reached approximately 70 per cent completion. Once the test phase, scheduled to last approximately three months, has been concluded, the new renewable energy hub will be capable of powering a broad range of port infrastructure, from customs gates and public lighting to administrative offices and electric vehicle charging points.
The Savona energy hub represents a significant milestone in the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority’s policy to modernise its facilities, aligning operational efficiency with environmental sustainability.
