Niedersachsen Ports Installs Container Wind Turbine to Power Operations with Clean Energy
Emden, Germany – Engineers at Niedersachsen Ports (NPorts) have installed a cutting-edge container wind turbine to power port operations with clean energy. The innovative system, equipped with two turbines, photovoltaic panels, battery storage, and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, has been described as the “Swiss Army knife” of wind turbines due to its versatility and compact design.
The installation is part of a broader push toward sustainable energy solutions as countries worldwide seek to meet growing energy demands through cleaner, non-polluting sources. While large-scale wind and solar projects often dominate the renewable energy landscape, smaller, modular systems like the one at NPorts demonstrate the potential for decentralized energy solutions that can operate independently of the grid.
A Compact Powerhouse
The container wind turbine, developed by Swiss startup FlowGen, represents a significant leap in small-scale renewable energy technology. Unlike traditional small turbines, which were often limited to single tasks like powering water pumps or electric fences, this system combines advanced turbine technology with energy storage and EV charging capabilities.
Thomas Troster, head of Electrical Engineering projects at NPorts, and his colleague Jens Kampen led the initiative as part of the Renewable Energy Development and Intelligent Implementation in Ports (REDIIP) project. After exploring micro wind turbines, the team identified container-based systems as a more efficient solution, capable of delivering higher energy yields.
Installation and Performance
The system was installed between February 5 and 7 near the port’s main gate. It features two turbines mounted diagonally on a lightweight composite mast, housed within a container that also includes energy storage, EV charging infrastructure, and control systems. Despite its compact size—slightly larger than a standard shipping container—the system is expected to generate over 45,000 kWh of electricity annually.
This energy will primarily power the port’s main gate and parking lot lighting, with any excess electricity fed into the grid. The installation process was notably cost-effective and less labor-intensive compared to traditional wind farms, making it an attractive option for sustainable energy adoption.
Initial performance has exceeded expectations, with the system demonstrating its capabilities during its first weekend of operation. “Container wind turbines are small plants with high yields,” Troster explained. “More than 45,000 kWh of electricity per year are to be made usable by the plant.”
A Model for Sustainable Innovation
Holger Banik, Managing Director at NPorts, emphasized the value of small-scale solutions in testing innovative ideas. “Small-format solutions are ideal for trying out ideas like this one,” he said. “We welcome all innovative solutions that bring us forward—whether small or large.”
Dirk Küster, CEO of FlowGen, expressed pride in the project, calling it a “pioneering role in the sustainable energy supply of ports and other infrastructures.” The Mobile Green Center at Emden showcases how modular systems can contribute to reducing emissions and advancing green energy goals without the need for massive infrastructure investments.
A Step Toward Decentralized Energy Solutions
The NPorts project highlights the growing potential of decentralized energy systems in achieving sustainability targets. By combining wind power, solar energy, and storage in a compact format, the container turbine offers a scalable and adaptable solution for various applications.
As ports and other industries seek to reduce their carbon footprints, initiatives like this demonstrate that innovation often comes in small packages. The success of the Emden installation could inspire similar projects worldwide, proving that even modest-scale solutions can play a pivotal role in the global energy transition.
For now, the container wind turbine at NPorts stands as a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in driving sustainable energy solutions forward.