Steinweg Delta Marine Terminal B.V. and QuinteQ Energy B.V. have successfully concluded a groundbreaking pilot project demonstrating the potential of flywheel energy storage.
This is to alleviate grid congestion and enhance energy efficiency in demanding port operations.
The pilot took place at Steinweg Delta Marine Terminal in Moerdijk from 20 May to 1 July, 2025.
The project aimed to test the feasibility and performance of QuinteQ’s Flywheel Energy Storage System (FESS) under real-world operational conditions, specifically focusing on managing power peaks generated by heavy-duty crane operations.
The flywheel system’s key benefits include:
- Infinite peak shaving of intense power peaks caused by cranes
- Compact footprint and modular design
- No fire risk, due to its mechanical (non-chemical) nature
- Longer lifespan, often 2–3 times greater than conventional batteries
With a recent operational expansion at its Moerdijk site, Steinweg faced a significant challenge: an insufficient grid connection to support its growing energy needs. Conventional grid upgrades proved unfeasible due to congestion, prompting the search for alternative solutions.
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“As part of our review of alternative solutions, we recognised that peak energy demand from our crane operations could pose a real barrier to our operations and growth,” said Amy Langley, Managing Director, Steinweg Delta Marine Terminal B.V.
“Partnering with QuinteQ allowed us to explore a future-proof solution tackling both energy efficiency and energy flexibility that aligns with our operational needs as well as our sustainability goals.”
QuinteQ’s compact flywheel system was deployed to reduce peak loads during crane lifts—events that typically cause short but intense spikes in electricity demand. The technology’s ability to charge and discharge in fractions of a second makes it especially suited for this type of application.
Throughout the pilot, the flywheel system proved capable of reducing the peak power demand of the cranes by 70 per cent, significantly easing the load on the local grid and creating room for continued operational growth.
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The system also demonstrated benefits in improving power quality by compensating for reactive power, commonly associated with crane operations. Improving power quality enables terminals to operate heavy equipment like cranes more reliably and efficiently, reducing the risk of downtime and equipment wear caused by voltage dips and electrical disturbances.
It also enhances energy efficiency and grid stability, lowering operational costs and supporting future electrification efforts.
“Our flywheel performed very well under these conditions,” said Timo Pauel, Business Development Manager, QuinteQ Energy.
“This project is for us a perfect showcase of how flywheels can directly support growth for terminal operators, while boosting energy efficiency and grid resilience.”
Earlier this week, a new white paper by APM Terminals (APMT) and international consultancy Systemiq highlighted a unique opportunity for Nigeria to electrify its containerised trade at scale.
