Challenge of Hitachi Energy : An Energy Management System (EMS) for the Port Sector

Challenge of Hitachi Energy : An Energy Management System (EMS) for the Port Sector

Hitachi Energy is looking for startups ready to design a multi-vector Energy Management System (EMS) that transforms how ports handle energy: smarter, cleaner and built for the terminals of tomorrow.

The energy landscape at ports is changing fast. Electrification, renewables, hydrogen, onshore power supply (OPS), EV charging. Hitachi Energy is bringing this challenge to the 6th Valenciaport Hackathon and inviting startups to co-create the solution.

The Challenge: Co-creation of Energy Management Solutions at Port Terminals

Ports and maritime terminals are undergoing a profound energy transformation: onshore power supply (OPS), electric vehicles, photovoltaic self-consumption, battery energy storage and hydrogen, are all increasing the complexity of terminal energy management.

Hitachi Energy's challenge focuses on the innovative design of a multi-vector Energy Management System (EMS) tailored to port terminals — a digital control layer connecting energy infrastructure with port operations.

The EMS must enable terminal operators to:

• Get a unified, integrated view of the terminal: asset-level energy consumption, demand forecasts and predictive intelligence — all in one place.
• Optimise the use of multiple energy sources: photovoltaic generation, battery energy storage systems (BESS), hydrogen generation and storage, backup systems... dynamically and in real time.
• Run scenario models for operational planning, factoring in vessel berthing schedules, reefer stacking strategies and peak demand periods.
• Manage highly variable and growing loads: OPS connections, reefer containers, EV and truck charging, cranes and yard equipment.
• A conceptual design and architecture of a multi-vector EMS relevant to port and terminal operators — covering data integration, energy orchestration, demand forecasting and emissions tracking.
• A clear pathway towards a deployable Proof of Concept (PoC) that could be tested in a real terminal environment, with defined integration requirements, technical feasibility and measurable success criteria.

What are we looking for from participating startups?

Proposals should be concrete, technically solid and future-focused. Each participating startup is expected to deliver:

If your startup works in energy management, AI-driven optimisation, IoT, or decarbonisation technology: this challenge was built for you.

Apply before May 25 and co-create the solution alongside Hitachi Energy at the 6th Valenciaport Hackathon.

View the full challenge