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Electric boats operating on the River Thames could soon play a role in supporting London's electricity grid, under a new project led by UK Power Networks. The Electric Thames scheme explores how battery-powered vessels and floating energy storage could help balance supply and demand across the capital.

The initiative is being delivered in a partnership with Marine Zero, LCP Delta, ev.energy and the Port of London Authority. It is funded by Ofgem's Strategic Innovation Fund and aims to support the UK's transition to cleaner transport and smarter energy use.

As part of the project, researchers examined the movements of 62 commercial vessels regularly operating on the Thames, which collectively consume around 38GWh of energy per year. The analysis will help UK Power Networks plan how best to meet future demand as more vessels switch from fossil fuels to electric power.

The project also explored the potential of vessel-to-grid technology, which would allow boats to feed electricity back into the network during peak times. In addition, the team assessed the feasibility of floating battery barges that could be charged overnight and moved to areas where extra capacity is needed.

Twenty-one riverside sites were identified as suitable locations for future charging infrastructure to support trade, tourism and passenger services along the river.

Electric Thames builds on earlier work between UK Power Networks and ev.energy, which has demonstrated how electric vehicle batteries can be used to support the grid through virtual power plant technology.

With interest growing globally as to how flexible, low-carbon technologies can support national energy systems, Electric Thames offers a model for integrating clean maritime transport with modern electricity networks. The findings are expected to guide investment and planning as the UK looks to decarbonise both land and water transport in the years ahead.