Cartagena Port to Deploy 20 MW of Solar Energy by 2030 to Power Cruise Ships

The Port Authority of Cartagena has announced plans to deploy a 20 MW photovoltaic energy system by 2030 to supply power to the nearly 200 cruise ships that dock annually. This initiative will allow the ships to connect to the port’s electrical grid and shut down their engines, reducing emissions while docked.

The project will start with the installation of 13 MW by 2025, with the full 20 MW expected to be operational by 2030. Any excess energy generated will be stored in a battery system, although further details about the battery system have not been disclosed. If demand exceeds the combined capacity of the photovoltaic system and batteries, additional energy will be sourced from the general electricity grid, which will be powered by renewable energy.

In December 2024, the Port Authority launched a tender for the design and execution of the new photovoltaic installations, which will be primarily located in the port’s buildings. The project, with a base tender budget of 604,594.58 euros and an estimated contract value of 499,664.94 euros, is set to be completed over a 28-month period. The installations will be used for self-consumption, with no surplus energy sold back to the grid.