This report focuses on the expected impacts of the charging of two new electric ferries on the isolated distribution grids of Faial and São Jorge, also in consideration of the expected future evolution of electricity production.
First, from an energy perspective, the analysis verifies that the increase in electricity consumption related to the new electric ferries can be covered on a yearly basis from the new Renewable Energy Sources (RES) generation capacity expected in 2027. The charging of the electric ferries will indeed represent approximately 11% of the electricity consumption of Faial and 12% of the electricity consumption of São Jorge. On both islands, the expected increase in RES generation will lead to RES penetration levels of ~35%, therefore large enough to cover the additional electrical demand introduced by the ferries.
Second, from a power perspective, the electrification of ferries, although beneficial for reducing GHG emissions when coupled to an increase in RES generation, presents challenges in terms of peak power demand and grid stability. As a possible mitigation measure to this issue, and in order to reduce the negative impact of the ferry's intermittent load on the power grids of Faial and São Jorge, this report assesses the benefits deriving from the installation of stationary Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) at the ports. Additionally, with the growing share of renewable energy, BESS can help to mitigate the potential RES curtailment during periods of high-RES generation. The suitability of stationary BESS of different sizes to be installed at the ports is, therefore, assessed in relation to the connection capacity available at the same ports. This last parameter is considered an important decision variable, as it also represents the maximum increase of power load seen from the grid side and related to the ferry charging process.