Untapped energy, an innovative solution
Marinas are facing growing energy challenges: rising consumption, soaring electricity prices and new environmental requirements. At the same time, many moored boats are equipped with photovoltaic panels and wind turbines to ensure their autonomy at sea, but this equipment produces a surplus of unused energy when the boats are docked.
Littoral Énergies Partagées, created in 2024 in Lorient, proposes to make the most of this dormant energy with the concept of Boat to Grid . This system connects the boats to the port's power grid and redistributes their surplus energy. " The average annual sailing time is 5 to 10 days per boat, which leaves 95% of the time when these resources remain unused "explains Bertrand Castelnérac, co-founder of the company.
Successful experiment in Morbihan
In 2024, the Kernével marina was the subject of a study and first Boat to Grid experiment, which demonstrated promising results: up to 50% of the harbor's electrical needs can be met using this system, with only a quarter of the boats connected to the grid.
This success is based on a global approach: Littoral Énergies Partagées supports the ports in implementing the scheme by carrying out feasibility studies, installing renewable electricity production facilities, and managing local networks.
A new community of boaters-producers
With Boat to Grid, boaters become green energy producers. For an investment of just a few hundred euros, boat owners can install a kit that supplies power to the harbor grid, and earn an annual return of up to one or several hundred euros, depending on their production.
Littoral Énergies Partagées also plans to expand this community by offering equipment for purchase or rental, while monitoring installations and optimizing performance. " By feeding renewable energy into the grid, boaters are no longer mere consumers. They are actively participating in the energy transition "adds Bertrand Castelnérac.
A national and sustainable ambition
To finance the first connections, Littoral Énergies Partagées has launched a participatory funding campaign targeting ?10,000, on Kengo.bzh, ahead of a larger fund-raising operation planned for 2025. The aim is to extend the concept to other French ports, and to multiply the number of bidirectional charging systems for future electric boats.
Backed by its associate partners: Batterie Marine Diffusion, Ananda Consulting, Les groupes Nass&Wind and SNEF, the Breton company aims to make ports more autonomous and attractive, while meeting the objectives of the France 2030 plan.
