The future of energy management: Results of a Delphi panel applied in the case of ports

European ports are facing sustainability and energy challenges, requiring changes to port functions, supply chain systems and business models. A 20-year 'port vision' could support decision-makers in designing effective strategies and prioritising investments. This study aims to identify the current energy management trends and their impact on ports and analyse the resulting scenarios. A literature review on energy management trends and ports' value chains was used to develop a conceptual framework, from which a Delphi questionnaire was created. The questionnaire was administered in two rounds, during which experts assessed the probability, impacts and desirability of energy sources, renewable energy, cold ironing, equipment, alternative fuels, energy digitalisation, human resources, emergencies and security. The results are clustered to depict the following port's energy management scenarios: most critical (related to digitalisation, cybersecurity, installation of renewable energy in small ports and electrification of docks and vehicles), most uncertain (concerning inland and/or offshore expansion of renewable energy production, use of autonomous vehicles and energy self-sufficiency of large ports) and most desired (involving investments on cold-ironing, alternatively powered cranes and cost reduction for photovoltaics and wind power). The research implications include conceptual actions to be considered and introduced in a generic European port plan and provide strategy recommendations to foster future ports.

Automated summary

European ports are facing the challenges of sustainability and energy, which require changes in port functions, supply chain systems, and business models. This study aims to identify energy management trends and their impact on ports through a literature review and a Delphi questionnaire. The research results in three energy management scenarios for ports: the most critical, the most uncertain, and the most desired.