ENEPORTS is a European research project co-financed by the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme through the European Regional Development Fund, with the purpose of assess the opportunity to deploy, in port areas, test-beds for innovative renewable energy technologies, taking full advantage of digitalization for decarbonization.

As result of the project, this article presents a structured methodology to support the decarbonization of port areas (impulsed by EU Fit for 55 Package, FuelEU Maritime and national regulations) through the integration and operation of renewable hybrid energy systems, including storage and flexible demands, and smart energy applications.

The proposed approach focuses on the integration and operation of the most suitable hybrid systems within port ecosystems, considering both Port Authorities and their concessionaires, and adapting to the specific characteristics of existing port energy grids.

For Port Authorities, the key challenge is not only technical but also strategic: defining a viable business model and operational framework under regulatory constraints. As ports evolve from traditional cargo logistics hubs into integrated logistics and energy hubs, they are entering a new business domain with highly favourable conditions. These include access to abundant renewable resources, availability of space for large-scale renewable installations (especially offshore or on dikes), and the presence of direct and concentrated energy consumers—factors that together maximise opportunities for local renewable energy production and consumption.

To successfully undertake this transition, ports must follow a structured methodological process, which involves adapting their physical infrastructure; their communication, monitoring, and control systems, and their operations, to transform into decarbonized energy hubs.

Beyond integration, proper system operation is essential. Hybrid systems must ensure the reliable supply of energy and power quality to critical loads, prioritised consumers, and other operational constraints inherent to port energy grids. In parallel, emerging market opportunities—such as energy trading, flexibility services, and synergies with surrounding communities—can strengthen the business case for investment. However, ports must also be prepared to address new technical, regulatory, and market challenges that may impact the performance and resilience of their hybrid renewable systems.

The variability of the renewable resources and flexible demands present in port areas (including EV), the possibility of operating on isolated mode, the technical characteristics of each generation and storage technologies, the requirements of OPS installation, and generation of biofuels at ports, are the challenges that have been considered in developing the methodology.

Data from real and future demands of three port areas have been used to model and study the feasibility of these hybrid systems and their operational conditions. The simulations have been completed with analysis of other case studies through Europe port areas.