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Low Carbon Boating on UK Waterways

As spring arrives many holidaymakers start to plan their summer cruises on the extensive network of UK canals, rivers and waterways. Many will opt for traditional diesel powered or petrol-fuelled narrowboats as they prepare to get back on the water.

Most boats that ply UK waterways have used fossil fuels for propulsion, heating and cooking for decades but that looks about to change as more boat users seek opportunities to enjoy low carbon boating and boat builders set out to meet the rising demand.

The last few years have seen an upsurge in the popularity of more environmentally viable boats with solar panels, electric engines and wind turbines more in evidence on UK canals and waterways

Traditional canal narrowboats can't be said contribute greatly to UK carbon emissions and pollution levels in the overall scheme of things but every little helps, and increasing numbers of people are willing to consider more eco-friendly options in their choice of transport.

Responding to the carbon-free challenge

In response, boat-building companies such as Thames Solar Electric are pioneering ways to make boating more eco-friendly and sustainable. The company built its first 100% solar powered electric widebeam boat in 2017. The Sunflower has 20 solar panels to provide 6KwH of power to a 96kW battery bank, enough green energy to stay self-sufficient all year round.

The photovoltaic solar panels lining the roof feed two solar controller-inverters which charge the super-efficeitn batteries thay power the electric motors.

But clean energy alone is not enough to be a fully self-sufficient electric riverboat. Triple glazed windows which maximise interior light with minimal heat loss are complemented by superior wall and floor insulation and a smart heat recovery ventilation system so the boat retains the heat on dark winter days and stays cool in hot summer months.

The boat is brimming with other onboard energy-saving features such a rainwater harvesting and water filtration systems. Induction hobs for cooking and heating make the most of the electricity supply so that life onboard the eco-boat is fully sustainable with almost no emissions and, best of all, almost no fuel bills to pay.

Low energy consumption is key to sustainable living so the Sunflower uses only LED lighting has A+ minimum rated domestic appliances, a waterless no-flush toilet with removable bins so waste can be recycled as compost and a three-phase water filtration system that feeds a storage tank for use in the bathroom, dishwasher and washing machine.

Recent advances in green energy and investment in research and development of solar power and battery technology is feeding its way into the marine industry. This has helped to improve efficiency and drive down costs as more companies invest in carbon neutral enterprises.

National targets for clean UK waters

The UK government is committed to rolling out its clean maritime plan ( Maritime 2050 ) which aims to ensure that all vessels, including canal boats, meet strict national targets for zero emissions by the year 2050.

The government's maritime plan is an environment route map designed to meet the challenges of climate change and the threat to public health from air pollution. It sets out a range of domestic policies and targets to reduce greenhouse gases and pollutant emissions from the shipping and boating community.

The Canals & River Trust, which overseas the UK waterway's network is also doing its bit to promote more eco-friendly boating. They are offering boat licence discount to electric boats to encourage the conversion to solar power and batteries. The Trust is also partnering in pilot schemes to install electricity charging points at popular moorings to encourage the use of electricity for onboard heating as well as propulsion.

A quiet carbon-free revolution

So the stage is set for a quiet revolution as our canals and waterways slowly turn away from fossil fuels and go electric, with solar power at the heart of it all. The future lies in carbon-neutral boats and technological advances across the maritime industry means that solar power could be the driving force for a new generation of canal and river users.

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