Planning zero-emissions ports through the nearly zero energy port concept

This research work attempts to review and compare the available scientific literature, to identify several crucial research opportunities, and to achieve the challenge of putting the findings together to achieve the prospect of nearly Zero Energy Ports. High energy demand and vital supply activities are characterizing ports; they are central hubs in the transport of materials, passengers, vehicles, and cargo. The growing progress of implementing the typical renewable energy installations in port areas and the need for innovative smart energy systems attract port management authorities' attention to energy matters. The research team constructed a specific methodology to review the available literature and viable solutions. All the reviewed measures were analysed and evaluated, highlighting their pros and cons for future implementation alongside their economic or technological maturity according to their cost-effectiveness and the expertise in each one of them. The research gaps per reviewed sector were identified, and suggestions were made in a future agenda for both port decision-makers and researchers. Although ports seem to be similar amongst themselves, due to their upmost goal to transport passengers and goods, they are different and have distinct features. The research team attempted to establish a typology and categorize ports into three (3) main categories according to their specific characteristics. A "strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats" alongside an "importance-performance" analysis were conducted on the proposed concept. This work investigates the literature gaps; the number of studies in many research fields is deficient, and future researchers' opportunities are underlined. Even though the vast majority of the energy management strategies and technologies, along with the green energy generation technologies, are under-exploited in port areas, they have high figurative value and are highly recommended. (C) 2020 Published by Elsevier Ltd.