The Port of Bilbao’s groundbreaking BilbOPS project has been chosen as a highlight for the upcoming Connecting Europe Days 2024 exhibition. Scheduled from April 2nd to April 5th, this event, orchestrated by the European Commission, aims to foster discussions around establishing a sustainable, smart, and resilient transport and mobility network across Europe.
At the heart of the exhibition will be BilbOPS, an ambitious initiative led by the Port Authority of Bilbao. This project aims to electrify the docks of the Port of Bilbao, employing Onshore Power Supply (OPS) technology to facilitate smoother operations. BilbOPS stands as a testament to the European Union’s commitment to advancing innovative transportation solutions. The exhibition, set to host 70 innovation projects supported by various EU funding programs, will take place at The Square Convention Centre in Brussels.
BilbOPS secured a substantial EUR 14.2 million grant from the European Commission under the CEF Transport 2021-2027 grant program. With a total investment estimated at EUR 78 million, the project targets full operational readiness by 2026. The initial phase, focusing on the A-5 Dock of the Central Breakwater, received EUR 4.7 million in December 2023, complemented by a EUR 4.3 million grant from the Recovery and Resilience Facility.
Beyond its immediate objectives of reducing fuel consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and minimizing noise and vibration levels, BilbOPS sets a high standard for environmental sustainability. Notably, the project aims to ensure that 100% of the power supplied to vessels is of renewable origin. Moreover, the Port Authority envisions that by 2028, 50% of the power consumed will be generated within the port itself, primarily through wind and solar energy.
The Connecting Europe Days 2024 exhibition promises to be a gathering of minds, attracting over 2,500 participants from diverse backgrounds. Among them will be representatives from the European Commission, political figures, financial institutions, industry experts, and stakeholders from EU Member States and neighboring countries. The agenda for this year’s event will revolve around four main themes: the inauguration of nine new European Transport Corridors, resilience strategies against climate change, enhancing connectivity with neighboring countries, and exploring funding opportunities for transport infrastructure projects.
