PowerX, a Japan-based startup, is on a mission to transform the way the world utilizes and transfers clean energy. While the majority of today's energy is transferred through fossil fuels, PowerX envisions a future where renewable electricity can be transported efficiently. To achieve this goal, the company is developing a "power transfer ship" that will establish an "ocean power grid."

Last summer, PowerX announced plans to construct its first gigafactory in Japan, dedicated to manufacturing battery storage solutions. These solutions include the Hypercharger, an ultrafast EV charger powered by renewable energy, as well as grid-scale stationary batteries, marine batteries, and home batteries. The Power Base gigafactory boasts an impressive annual production capacity of 5 GWh, enabling the creation of around 10,000 battery storage units.

Recently, PowerX unveiled the detailed design of its flagship vessel, "X," during the Bariship International Maritime Exhibition. The electric-powered battery tanker spans 140 meters in length and boasts an electric cruising range of up to 300km. Equipped with 96 marine-grade LFP batteries, the tanker has a total capacity of 241 MWh of renewable energy. The company assures that the battery design is scalable and can accommodate additional batteries in the future.

Currently optimized for short-distance travel, the electric tanker is poised to evolve as battery technology progresses. PowerX's CEO, Masahiro Ito, envisions a future where the ship can carry more batteries for longer distances as battery density increases and costs decrease. The company aims to complete the construction of its first vessel by 2025, with field testing set to commence the following year.

PowerX has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and partnered with Kyushu Electric Power Co and the City of Yokohama to transform this concept into reality while also decarbonizing ports. Additionally, a new company called Ocean Power Grid Inc. will be established later this year to manage the operations of the battery tanker.

This electric tanker represents a vital link between grids, offshore wind farms, and islands that face challenges with underground cables due to seismic activity or deep water. By facilitating the transfer of renewable energy, regions with abundant resources can share with those less fortunate, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future for all.

Source: Electrek