The Role of the River Thames in Shifting Towards a Low Carbon Future
The River Thames has underpinned the economy of the UK and London for over 2,000 years. As a working river, the Thames has always been the UK’s gateway to world trade and a strategically important economic area. In 2017 alone, 12.83 million tonnes of cargo was transported along the river. London in particular relies on all commercial and tourist activities that take place on the River Thames.
However, the multifunctional benefits emanating from the Thames are not just limited to ones of a social and economic nature. The River’s role is becoming ever more important within the context of environmental sustainability. It presents itself as an increasingly important conduit for achieving the Government’s and Mayor of London’s aim of transitioning towards net-zero by 2050 and 2030 respectively.
The NPPF puts sustainable development at the heart of the plan, by stating that the planning system should support the transition to a low carbon future in a changing climate. It also advocates for forthcoming development, whether this be terrestrial or marine, to contribute to radical reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and support renewable and low carbon energy generation. Importantly, the NPPF notes that these principles are not just limited to large-scale infrastructure projects. It acknowledges that even small-scale projects provide a valuable contribution to significantly cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
Various groups, including pier owners, operators and the Port of London Authority (PLA) are helping facilitate the transition towards low carbon energy on the River Thames. Most notably, we’re beginning to see the deployment of electric vessels, coupled with the installation of renewable shore power systems. By providing adequate green electrical power services, marine operators using the River Thames will be able to move away from burning diesel in generators (either onboard or temporary pier-wide generators) to zero emissions at source.
This initiative goes hand in hand with the Mayor’s aim’s to double the annual river patronage to 20 million by 2035, along with the equally ambitious target for over 4 million tonnes of freight to be carried by water by 2035 (London Passenger Pier Strategy, 2019). These aims are predicated on the need to use green river transport as a means to significantly reduce traffic congestion on London’s streets.
Nevertheless, the benefits associated with the renewable shore power systems are not just sustainability oriented, they will also generate economic benefits. For example, the introduction of this infrastructure will be key in supporting and facilitating the reinstatement of commercially viable operations on various piers.
The electrical infrastructure will enable businesses using the pier to shift away from using non-renewable sources of fuel such as diesel. In facilitating this shift, which is being encouraged at all administrative levels, it is important to ensure that the necessary electrical infrastructure is available along the Thames to avoid stifling the operations and viability of businesses that rely on river transport.
Nonetheless, the Thames Estuary 2050 Growth Commission (TEGC) identify a series of challenges which are hindering progress towards a low carbon future. Of most relevance are those relating to governance. The River Thames falls under the remit of numerous regional and local authorities, as well as statutory groups. This, in turn, makes it difficult to develop a singular vision to facilitating the shift towards the use of low carbon technologies.
Recognising this fragmentation, it is imperative that a coordinated approach to governance and strategic planning is adopted, in order to realise the sustainability-oriented golden thread running through national, regional and local policy. Such an approach requires the involvement of key organisations such as MHCLG, DEFRA and the GLA.
Boyer London is currently advising pier owners and operators on the redevelopment of their existing riverside assets, as well as, on the installation of renewable shore power.