Greening seaports: Evaluating impacts and policies for renewable energy systems
Adriana Moros-Daza, Alberto Moros-Marcillo, Carlos Pacheco-Bustos
Abstract
Seaports significantly contribute to global greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 2.89% of global CO 2 emissions. Despite previous efforts to mitigate their environmental impact, these have largely been ineffective. Currently, seaports are turning towards decarbonization projects through renewable energy sources. However, implementing renewable energy in ports presents several challenges, and research on the environmental impacts of these systems is limited. This paper assesses the environmental impacts of renewable energy systems in seaports using contemporary methodologies such as Conensa and Delphi. The study evaluates 26 seaports that have adopted solar, wind, tidal, and wave energy technologies to analyze their environmental impacts. The findings reveal that a combination of all four renewable energy sources leads to the highest environmental impacts. Conversely, tidal and wave energy emerge as the most effective options for decarbonizing ports while minimizing environmental harm. The study also identifies key policies to support renewable energy implementation in seaports, including tax incentives, subsidies, prioritization of wave and tidal energy, regulation of solar energy, and the development of technologies suited to local ecosystems. These measures are essential for reducing the environmental footprint of seaports while promoting sustainable energy practices. • Assessing environmental impacts of multiple renewable energy sources in seaports. • Comparing global seaports on renewable energy impacts on environment and society. • Tidal and wave energy best for decarbonizing ports, with fewer environmental impacts. • Solar energy systems have high construction impacts but positive benefits post-implementation. • Renewable energy mixes enhance socio-economic benefits but increase environmental impacts.