Freight News, Sea

Port of Oakland Reaffirms Long-Term Renewable Energy Strategy

[ November 3, 2015   //   Gary G Burrows ]

The Port of Oakland has reaffirmed a renewable energy strategy that will make 75% of the energy it purchases for tenants greenhouse gas-free within three years.

The strategy involves a partnership with the East Bay Municipal Utilities District (EBMUD). The Port currently purchases renewable energy from EBMUD’s biogas facility at the foot of the Bay Bridge and then resell it to port tenants with no cost increase. All of the energy purchased from EBMUD is both renewable and greenhouse gas-free.

As a utility provider, the port purchases renewable energy from SunEdison and EBMUD. The port resells the energy to 125 maritime and Oakland International Airport tenants who need the energy to power their operations.

Together with the port’s hydroelectric purchases, the total power portfolio provided to port tenants is projected to increase from 50% greenhouse gas-free in 2014 to 75% by 2018.

The energy strategy will boost the port’s renewable energy portfolio and put the port on track to meet state mandated deadlines. According to the recently signed California Senate Bill 350 (Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act), half of the state’s electricity supply must be derived from renewable sources by 2030.

“The Port of Oakland is always seeking innovative solutions to help our tenants reduce their greenhouse gas footprint,” said Port of Oakland Director of Engineering Chris Chan. “By turning biogas into energy and then reselling it to our tenants, we are doing our part as an environmentally-conscious landlord.”

Tags: Port of Oakland