Transportation's Role in Reducing U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions ...

Transportations Role in Reducing U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Volume 2
to retrofit solar wings to a tanker ship and a bulk carrier (Figure 3.13) to evaluate the
potential fuel savings associated with these technologies (Macdonald-Smith, 2008;
Transportation and Logistics News, 2008; SolarSailor, 2008).
Magnitude and Timing of GHG Reduction
Solar powered systems, such as that used by Toyota, can provide energy for the demand
for electricity to provide lighting for navigation purposes and for quarters, other
navigational devices such as radar, weather tracking systems and smaller cargo handling
equipment. Such systems have been shown by Toyota and Solar Sailor to reduce energy
demand by 5 to 7 percent (NYK Line, 2009; Solarsailor, 2008). Use of wind power has
proven to be even more significant, providing a fuel savings and GHG emissions
reduction of 20 to 40 percent (reference). Both of these technologies are particularly
applicable for larger vessels with extensive surface areas that are involved in long-distance
trade.
Cost-Effectiveness
There is limited cost data available for these emerging technologies. Many are in their
early stages of development and the costs associated with demonstration projects are
considerably higher than anticipated future costs when these systems are fully
commercialized. At this time, photovoltaic options are relatively expensive, due primarily
to the cost of photovoltaic panels, which currently are not cost-competitive for electricity
generation in most applications. The system used in the Toyota auto carrier cost $1.4
million to develop and install (NYK Line, 2009).
Cobenefits
Minor environmental cobenefits may be realized from these strategies, as pollutant
emissions should be reduced roughly in proportion to fuel consumption. Solar power
may reduce emissions in ports even while the ship is not in transit, which may benefit air
quality near the port. Wind power will provide benefits on the open ocean, and therefore
the air quality benefits for human population exposure are not likely to be significant.
Feasibility
Though wind and solar powered systems have been in existence for a while (particularly,
vessels equipped with sails) their application on large modern vessels should be
considered innovative, requiring additional research and development before
commercialization can occur. Investments associated with solar and windpower
technologies are particularly attractive as many of these options can be applied as retrofits
to existing vessels. At this time, the most significant barrier to implementation is the high
capital costs. International R&D initiatives may be needed to reduce capital cost for these
technology options, especially windpower. Reductions in solar photovoltaic technology
costs are likely to be driven by forces in the broader electricity generation sector, rather
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