Methodology for assessment of coastal fishing electrification and Grid Implications

The paper makes an assessment of the gradual transition to electric propulsion of vessels involved in coastal fishing nearby the Lofoten archipelago, one of the principal fishing grounds in Norway. The study considers the electrification from the power grid perspective and develops a methodology for predicting the future energy demand growth patterns from the fishing vessels, using publicly available data for fish deliveries in Norway. These data were applied to a logistic growth model to outline the future path for the electrification. Furthermore, the impact of the predicted electricity demand on the existing power grid is investigated in two representative cases in Lofoten: a small harbour and an island with estimated CO 2 emissions of 361 tons and 13,870 tons per year, which can be removed by full conversion to zero-emission propulsion. The island is supplied with electricity from the mainland via a submarine cable with limited capacity and receives high volumes of fish delivered by various types of vessels, corresponding to a peak energy demand of 650 MWh per day. On the other hand, the small harbour has a limited residential load and very seasonal fish delivery patterns with a corresponding peak energy demand of 48 MWh per day. Although the current grid is highly stable in both locations today, the power flow analysis indicates that these two cases represent different challenges and opportunities, which should be considered prior to the electrification. Based on these findings, the study outlines viable and sustainable decarbonisation paths for different vessel groups involved in coastal fishing, considering available capacities of the existing power grid infrastructure. • Developed a method to estimate energy needs of fishing vessels near Lofoten using public data. • Forecasted 2045 electrification trends for two Lofoten’s coastal fleet cases using a logistic growth model. • Assessed fishing vessel electrification’s impacts on the electric grid, noting voltage and overload risks. • Proposed decarbonisation paths for coastal fishing vessels, considering the existing electricity grid capacities and limits.