The Port of Avilés has taken an important step in its energy transition with the presentation of a Roadmap for Decarbonization which aims to fundamentally change the way it consumes and manages energy. The Port Authority of Avilés (APA) has set itself the goal that, in just a few years, half of the electricity used by the port will come from renewable sources generated on its own facilities.
This strategy materializes in a Decarbonization Plan This initiative combines investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and operational changes. It has the technical collaboration of NTT DATA and the involvement of a large part of the business community operating within the port area, creating a shared project that goes beyond a simple technological upgrade.
An ambitious plan with a 2030 horizon
The core of the plan involves ensuring that the 50% of the electricity consumption of the Port of Avilés will be covered by self-consumption renewable energy by 2030. To achieve this, the APA plans a total investment of 2,5 millones de eurosOf which 2,2 million will be allocated to new renewable generation projects and 300.000 euros to energy efficiency measures and other complementary actions.
The roadmap sets a phased deployment over the next four or five yearsThese phased projects will involve the implementation of various technological installations and solutions. This is not a one-off project, but rather a phased schedule of actions that will allow for the gradual addition of renewable energy capacity and operational improvements without disrupting port activity.
According to initial estimates, the new facilities will allow us to overcome the 1.100 kWp of photovoltaic power installed at the port, with a projected annual production of around 1,1 GWh. This renewable generation will have a direct impact on the APA's electricity bill and on reducing emissions.
In environmental terms, the plan foresees a reduction of more than 390 tons of CO₂ per yearThis figure places the Avilés dock on the path set by the State Ports Strategic Framework in terms of sustainability and climate neutrality, and positions it in relation to Spanish polluting companies.
Deployment of photovoltaic energy and storage
One of the fundamental pillars of the Decarbonization Plan is the installation of photovoltaic generation systems distributed throughout different areas of the port. The Port Authority plans to utilize building rooftops, canopies, and spaces on port land to maximize solar energy capture without interfering with daily operations.
These photovoltaic installations will not only inject energy into the port's internal grid, but will also be accompanied by storage systems that will allow for better management of production and consumption peaks. In this way, the port will be able to increase its self-consumption capacity and reduce its dependence on the grid during periods of higher demand.
The combination of distributed generation and storage will also provide a greater energy resilienceThis is especially relevant in a critical environment like the port, where continuity of supply is key to competitiveness and the safety of operations.
This commitment to photovoltaics aligns with trends seen in other Spanish and European ports, where the occupation of underutilized spaces Using solar panels has become one of the most effective ways to reduce the carbon footprint in the short and medium term.
Energy Management System and operational efficiency
Beyond renewable energy generation, the plan includes the implementation of a Energy Management System certified under ISO 50001This tool will be responsible for monitoring and optimizing the APA's consumption, allowing it to detect inefficiencies, adjust operating hours, and prioritize the use of renewable energy when available.
The implementation of this system will be accompanied by training and awareness measures These initiatives are aimed at staff and various departments of the Port Authority. The goal is for energy efficiency to move beyond being an abstract concept and become a daily practice integrated into port management.
With this approach, it is hoped to achieve a significant energy savingsThis will affect both consumption and operating costs. Reducing wasted energy and better aligning demand with available renewable energy supply will be key for the port to achieve its self-consumption and decarbonization goals.
This management component will also contribute to improve the port's energy model, reinforcing its capacity to guarantee supply even in contexts of price volatility or regulatory changes, something that is already being seen in other European logistics hubs.
Electrification of the fleet and port equipment
Another relevant part of the plan is the progressive electrification of the port fleetThe APA has announced that it will begin replacing its combustion engine vehicles with 100% electric models, with an expected reduction of more than 45 tons of CO₂ per year associated with this technological change.
The renewal of the vehicle fleet will be accompanied by the installation of charging points, including bidirectional chargers that will allow the exploration of advanced solutions such as vehicle-to-grid (V2G), contributing to better energy management throughout the port area.
The plan also includes the electrification of cranes and other auxiliary equipment that currently depend on fossil fuels. These types of actions are especially relevant in the port environment, where heavy machinery has a significant impact on local emissions.
In addition, the use of Alternative fuels where direct electrification is not yet viable, always with a view to reducing emissions and improving air quality in the area surrounding the port and the city of Avilés.
Purchase of 100% renewable energy and strengthening of the energy model
To supplement its own electricity production, the Port Authority plans to ensure that the remainder of its consumption comes from 100% certified renewable energy through Guarantees of Origin. In this way, even the portion of demand that cannot be met through self-consumption will be supplied from clean sources.
This decision will allow the electricity consumption profile of the Port of Avilés to be fully aligned with the climate and regulatory objectives marked at the state and European level, reducing the carbon intensity associated with their operations.
At the same time, the plan pursues a Strengthening the port energy modelThis increases the APA's capacity to manage its own resources and adapt to potential changes in the electricity market. Having its own renewable generation, storage, and green supply contracts provides an additional margin of stability.
All of this is part of the strategy to improve the competitiveness of the port within the state port systemwhere the ability to offer low-emission logistics services is becoming increasingly important, something that international shippers and operators value more and more.
A project shared with the port ecosystem
The development of the Decarbonization Roadmap has not been an isolated, bureaucratic process. The APA has relied on the active participation of numerous companies and entities that operate in the port environment of Avilés, forming a collaborative project.
The agents involved include Maritime Authority, Avilés Tugboats, Alvargonzález, Maritime Authority of the Principality, New Avilés Fish Market, AZSA, Windar Renewables, Avilés Marina and NTT DATA itself, which has provided technical support in the design of the plan.
Various internal services of the Port Authority have also been involved, such as Security and General Services, Sustainability, Economic and Financial Affairs, Human Resources, Port Operations, Information Systems, Public Domain, Conservation, Infrastructure, Legal Affairs and ProcurementThis cross-cutting involvement reinforces the idea that decarbonization is not just an environmental issue, but a global transformation of the organization.
During the presentation held at the APA headquarters, the president of the Port Authority, Santiago Rodríguez VegaHe highlighted the progress made in clean energy and the commitment to transforming the port and its surroundings into a decarbonized space. He acknowledged that the process will not be easy, but made it clear that the goal is achievable with planning and collaboration.
For its part, Luis Álvarez GraneroThe head of the General Services and Security division and project coordinator, thanked the companies for their involvement and noted that the roadmap was developed with input from the entire port ecosystem, in line with the State Ports Strategic Framework and its environmental dimension.
The new Roadmap for the Decarbonization of the Port of Avilés consolidates a clear commitment to emissions reduction, renewable self-consumption and energy efficiencyThrough investments in photovoltaics, fleet electrification, advanced energy management and the purchase of green energy, the APA aims to transform its energy model and position itself as a competitive port aligned with current climate demands, setting a benchmark for other port enclaves in Spain and Europe.
