<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><ns2:project xmlns:ns1="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api" xmlns:ns2="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/project" xmlns:ns3="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/fund" xmlns:ns4="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/person" xmlns:ns5="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/project/outcome" xmlns:ns6="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/organisation" ns1:created="2026-08-26T13:36:10Z" ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/projects/CD10289C-08E1-417A-8410-6C12BE35A6A0" ns1:id="CD10289C-08E1-417A-8410-6C12BE35A6A0"><ns1:links><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/persons/E03FC8EA-9E43-47C0-839A-B21FDE931BF3" ns1:rel="PM_PER"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/CC0451BB-E4C8-4034-B07F-0CBDABE60E86" ns1:rel="LEAD_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/08A0DD4E-BEC1-425C-9ED7-0D9054235FC8" ns1:rel="PARTICIPANT_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/CC0451BB-E4C8-4034-B07F-0CBDABE60E86" ns1:rel="PARTICIPANT_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/542446F7-825B-4893-A0B0-FD841A6EE136" ns1:rel="PARTICIPANT_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/13C979ED-CCCE-4C21-9953-307B6EC53D42" ns1:rel="PARTICIPANT_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:end="2026-03-30T23:00:00Z" ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/funds/67C886D7-6D56-43AB-9E12-FB383469EA94" ns1:rel="FUND" ns1:start="2025-08-31T23:00:00Z"/></ns1:links><ns2:identifiers><ns2:identifier ns2:type="RCUK">10161107</ns2:identifier></ns2:identifiers><ns2:title>Smart Renewable Energy Generation and Storage System for Sustainable Coastal Power (SMARTPOWER)</ns2:title><ns2:status>Closed</ns2:status><ns2:grantCategory>Collaborative R&amp;D</ns2:grantCategory><ns2:leadFunder>Innovate UK</ns2:leadFunder><ns2:abstractText>**SMARTPOWER** is an innovative clean maritime project that aims to revolutionise how coastal and estuarine ports access renewable energy. The project will design, develop, and demonstrate the UK's first hybrid energy platform that combines **wave and tidal power generation** with **battery storage** and **AI-driven energy management**, creating a modular, low-emission power solution for ports, vessels, and remote coastal communities.

Unlike conventional offshore renewables, SMARTPOWER is tailored for nearshore deployment in areas with moderate tidal flow and wave activity, conditions found in many UK estuaries and harbours. The system is designed to be scalable and cost-effective, offering an alternative to diesel generators and expensive grid extensions in locations where clean energy access is limited.

At the heart of SMARTPOWER is a novel integration of three key components: a **linear wave energy generator**, a **tidal turbine**, and a **500 kWh battery system**. The wave energy unit features redesigned pontoon floats that use optimised magnet arrays and fluid dynamics to boost efficiency. The **Hydro-Spinna tidal turbine**, designed for low-speed flows (&amp;lt;1 m/s), converts tidal currents into electricity using specially engineered blades that minimise cavitation and maximise performance.

Energy from both sources is managed by a smart control system, an **AI-based Energy Management System (EMS),** that balances generation and storage in real time, ensuring maximum efficiency and reliability. The system aims to achieve 92% round-trip efficiency and over 95% operational uptime.

The project will culminate in a **12-month live demonstration** (post-project) at South Shields Marina, where the SMARTPOWER system will be tested under real-world conditions, delivering a target output of **50 kW**. Data collected during the trial will be shared with maritime stakeholders, including the **Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)** and **ORE Catapult**, to inform regulatory development and support the wider adoption of hybrid renewable systems in the maritime sector.

Each unit of SMARTPOWER installation is expected to save up to **400 tonnes of CO2 annually** by replacing fossil fuel generators. The platform supports the UK's clean growth and net-zero objectives, while also unlocking new opportunities for green innovation, export, and coastal resilience.

SMARTPOWER is funded under the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC6), delivered by Innovate UK, and represents a significant step forward in the UK's journey towards zero-emission maritime infrastructure.</ns2:abstractText></ns2:project>