Against the backdrop of global efforts to respond to climate change and pursue sustainable development, the concept of "near" zero-carbon port microgrids has gradually come into people's view. So, what exactly is a "near" zero-carbon port microgrid?
 
First, let's understand the meaning of "near" zero carbon
"Near" zero carbon is not absolute zero carbon emissions, but refers to reducing carbon emissions as much as possible to zero during the operation and development of the port.
As an important hub for international trade, ports consume huge amounts of energy. Traditional port operations rely on a large amount of fossil energy such as coal and oil, which results in high carbon emissions. The "near" zero-carbon port microgrid is a new energy supply system that changes this situation.
 
The zero-carbon port microgrid integrates a variety of energy technologies and intelligent management systems. It mainly consists of the following parts:
1. Renewable energy power generation system
The renewable energy power generation system is one of the core components of the zero-carbon port microgrid.
Most ports usually have vast spaces and abundant renewable natural resources such as solar energy, wind energy, and hydropower. These renewable energy sources can generate electricity to power the port.
For example, solar photovoltaic panels can be installed on the roofs of buildings and yards next to the port to generate electricity using solar energy; small wind farms can be built near the sea or in estuary areas to generate electricity using wind energy. Ports are usually accompanied by the ebb and flow of tides. The rational use of tidal energy can also provide electricity for ports and reduce dependence on traditional fossil energy.
 
2. Energy storage system
Common energy storage technologies used in ports include battery energy storage, pumped storage, compressed air energy storage, etc.
Due to the intermittent and unstable nature of renewable energy, energy storage systems play a vital role in zero-carbon port microgrids. Energy storage systems can store excess electricity generated by renewable energy. During peak power consumption or insufficient renewable energy generation, releasing the electricity stored in the energy storage system can ensure the stability and reliability of the port's power supply.
 
3. Intelligent distribution system
Zero-carbon port microgrids require an efficient and intelligent distribution system to achieve reasonable distribution and management of electricity.
The intelligent distribution system can monitor the power demand and energy supply of the port in real time and distribute electricity according to different power demands and priorities. While improving energy efficiency, the intelligent distribution system can also interact with the external power grid, that is, obtain electricity from the external power grid when necessary or output excess electricity to the external power grid.
 
4. Energy Management System
The energy management system is the "brain" of the zero-carbon port microgrid, which is responsible for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing the entire microgrid. The energy management system formulates the best energy management strategy for the port. It not only collects energy data of the port in real-time, including power generation, power consumption, energy storage status, etc. but also optimizes the algorithm through data analysis. For example, according to weather forecasts and the forecast of power demand of the port, the operation of renewable energy power generation and energy storage systems is reasonably arranged to maximize energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
 
5. Green Transportation System
The transportation activities of the port are also one of the important sources of carbon emissions. To achieve the "near" zero-carbon goal, the zero-carbon port microgrid also needs to be combined with the green transportation system. This includes promoting the use of new energy vehicles such as electric port machinery, electric ships, and electric trucks, building infrastructure such as charging piles and hydrogen stations and optimizing the traffic organization and logistics processes of the port to reduce traffic congestion and energy waste.
 
The construction and operation of zero-carbon port microgrids have many advantages:
First, it can significantly reduce the carbon emissions of ports, reduce the impact on the environment, and contribute to addressing climate change.
Second, by utilizing renewable energy and energy storage technology, the energy self-sufficiency rate of ports can be improved and dependence on external energy can be reduced.
In addition, with the continuous development and cost reduction of renewable energy technology, as well as the increasing maturity of energy storage technology, the operation and construction costs of zero-carbon port microgrids are gradually reduced, and the economic benefits brought will become more and more significant.

Of course, becoming a true zero-carbon port also faces some challenges:
First, technical challenges
Second, economic challenges
The construction of zero-carbon port microgrids requires a large amount of capital in the early stage, including technology research and development and the construction and operation costs of renewable energy power generation systems, energy storage systems, and intelligent distribution systems. At the same time, due to the intermittent and unstable nature of renewable energy, additional backup power and peak-shaving facilities may be required, which will also increase costs.
Third, management challenges
Zero-carbon port microgrids involve multiple fields and departments, and it is necessary to formulate sound technical standards and specifications to ensure the safe, stable, and reliable operation of zero-carbon port microgrids.