A Pacific Environment report says South Korea can use surplus renewable energy for port electrification instead of relying on fossil fuel-based electricity
Ports could evolve from logistics hubs into energy hubs by using renewable energy that otherwise gets wasted due to curtailment
For this solution, it will need to address grid constraints, policy gaps, lack of power demand data, and limited renewable energy access for port operators
Environmental NGO Pacific Environment has released a new report outlining how South Korea’s ports could help accelerate the country’s clean energy transition by using surplus renewable electricity to electrify ports. This will also help address the issue of renewable energy curtailment.
Ports across the world are under pressure to reduce their emissions, especially after the International Maritime Organization adopted a 2050 net-zero emissions target. The European Union has also expanded the scope of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) carbon regulations to the maritime sector. South Korea, too, has its own International Shipping Decarbonization Promotion Strategy.
However, the report warns that port electrification powered by fossil-fuel-based electricity could simply shift emissions from ports to the power sector rather than reducing them overall.
It further adds, “Recent tensions in the Middle East surrounding the Strait of Hormuz highlight the shipping sector’s continued reliance on fossil fuel-based energy supply chains, underscoring risks related to energy security and price volatility.”
Drawing on international examples from Europe, the US, China, Japan, and the UK, the report says successful port electrification strategies combine renewable energy integration, energy storage, smart power management, and support for electric vessels.
The study notes that renewable energy curtailment is already occurring in South Korean regions such as Jeju and Jeolla due to grid constraints, even as ports continue to rely on conventional electricity sources.
It proposes that South Korea’s ports use surplus renewable energy by linking port electricity demand with regions where renewable power is being curtailed due to grid constraints. They argue that ports could serve as large-scale consumers of surplus renewable energy, using this electricity to power shore systems for ships, electric vessel charging, port equipment, energy storage, and clean fuel production.
On one hand, it will help reduce curtailment and improve grid efficiency; on the other, it will support port decarbonization. Port electrification with renewable energy can reduce air, water, and noise pollution while improving public health.
Although electrification requires high upfront investment, it can lower operating costs over time, support the use of renewable energy, create jobs, and strengthen port competitiveness.
“Integrating renewable energy into ports and shipping is a strategic solution that not only accelerates port decarbonization but also creates economic opportunities,” said Hyunju Kang, climate campaign director for Asia at Pacific Environment.
Nevertheless, there are several barriers to renewable energy-based port electrification, including grid capacity limitations, policy and regulatory gaps, lack of detailed electricity demand data, and limited access to renewable energy procurement for terminal operators.
The report highlights the need for stronger policies, legal frameworks, infrastructure planning, and regional cooperation to expand renewable-energy-based port electrification in South Korea and Asia. It also proposes pilot projects involving electric feeder and shuttle vessels on short-distance routes between Korea and neighboring countries such as Japan.
The complete report, titled Renewable Energy-based Port Electrification in Republic of Korea, is available for free download on Pacific Environment’s website.