As the fishing industry looks to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, wind and solar power have become an increasingly discussed option for commercial fishing vessels.
Linda Behnken, executive director of the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association (ALFA), sees potential in both energy sources but stresses that careful consideration of each vessel’s needs is necessary for successful integration.
Solar power
Solar energy is often viewed as a straightforward solution to renewable energy. Solar panels can power non-propulsion systems on vessels such as refrigeration, lighting, and electronics, potentially reducing fuel consumption. Many Alaskan vessel owners have begun adopting renewable energy technologies.
“Solar seems promising for the seafood processing sector, but I am not aware of workable technology for our small-scale commercial fishing boats at this time,” said Behnken.
Despite the clear benefits of solar, Behnken noted that solar panels cannot replace the need for a fuel-powered engine on most fishing vessels. Instead, they serve as a supplement. “It’s especially effective on boats with limited space for large engines or battery systems,” she added.
Wind power
Wind power is another renewable energy source that has garnered some interest among fishermen. Small wind turbines installed on vessels could help reduce fuel consumption, especially on longer trips. Behnken pointed out that wind turbines can be a valuable supplement to traditional power sources but may not be suitable for all types of vessels.
“Not all vessels are built for wind power,” said Behnken. “But for some boats, especially those with larger superstructures or those that fish offshore, adding a small wind turbine could make a lot of sense.”
For those vessels that could benefit, wind turbines could help offset some of the energy demands, especially in favorable wind conditions.
The VTO Project: Hybrid tech and wind-solar synergy
A key player in ALFA’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions from Alaska’s fishing fleet is its collaboration with the Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technology Office (VTO). This partnership has spurred innovation in hybrid propulsion systems, which may ultimately complement wind and solar technologies on fishing vessels. Chandler Kemp, the founder of Kempy Energetics, has been an essential partner in this work. His company specializes in energy audits and sustainable energy solutions, focusing on reducing emissions cost-effectively for clients like ALFA.
Kemp founded Kempy Energetics in 2015 with a mission to improve energy systems, and his expertise has supported many fishing vessel projects. The firm finds cost-effective ways for clients to reduce their environmental impact and understand the implications of their energy system management decisions. Kemp’s company has worked closely with ALFA on the development of hybrid-electric for fishing vessels.
“The next feasible step is a hybrid diesel-electric system,” Behnken explained, which also reinforces Kemp’s work on hybrid solutions. As these systems become more common, there is potential for them to work synergistically with renewable energy tech like wind and solar to further reduce the fleet’s reliance on fossil fuels.
In contrast, the idea of an all-electric, solar-powered fishing vessel remains a far-off dream for many. Behnken shared that while solar technology is improving, the demands of Alaska’s fishing operations, long trips, and heavy energy needs mean that an all-electric vessel is not yet a feasible option for most of the fleet.
“There’s still a lot of work to be done on battery storage and power management systems before we can make all-electric vessels a reality for Alaska’s fisheries,” she explained. “But solar could still play a role in reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, even if it’s not the primary power source.”
As fishing fleets across Alaska seek to minimize their environmental impact, wind and solar power could offer valuable solutions. “With continued innovation and investment, wind and solar could play an increasingly important role in Alaska’s sustainable fishing future,” said Behnken.
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