Go Electric

This project aimed to increase the number of electric boats on the Broads, by offering grants to encourage boat owners to convert diesel powered boats to electric propulsion and then using these conversions to promote the advantages of electric boats more widely. In addition to benefiting the grant recipients, the project offered additional work to local boatyards carrying out conversion works. The project would result in wider environmental benefits in terms of reduced noise and pollution of the broads.

The pictures above show the Broads motor vessel Patience, and her engine bay before and after conversion to electric propulsion.

This project should be seen in connection with the Southern Power Link initiaitve that assisted with the provision of electric recharge points - click here for details

The opportunity of grant was promoted to all private owners of suitable boats within the Norfolk Broads. Conversions to electric propulsion generally cost from about £4,000 to £11,000 depending on the size of the boat and grants of between two to three thousand were offered.

The project includes the following elements to promote electric boating:
· production of an information pack
· media information targeted at boating magazines and local press
· website to disseminate and archive information
· attendance at boat shows

To ensure that local businesses can respond to new demands, it was envisaged that there would be a training component for boat yards to gain skills and confidence in undertaking electric conversions. This was not required and informal advice made available where required.

The LAG agreed a grant of £28,000, representing 20% of the total project cost of £136,000. Additional match funding of £18,000 was offered by the Broads Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund, and all remaining costs were met by the contributions of private boat owners. The project commenced in May 2004 and ran until early 2008.

Outputs
18 boats converted to electric power; 10 local businesses sharing expertise in carrying out conversions, including 5 boat yards new to carrying out such work; organisation of two promotional events (electric boat rallies).

More information available at:
www.go-electric.co.uk