The Oakland Board of Port Commissioners has authorised a $19.3 million agreement to purchase solar power for the next 20 years.
The Port of Oakland will resell renewable electricity to tenants such as San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport and the Oakland Seaport.
Port of Oakland Chief Operating Officer, Kristi McKenney, said: “The port continues to build its long-term renewable energy portfolio demonstrating our commitment to sustainability, which benefits our customers, community, and environment.
“Energy pricing can be unpredictable, so entering into a long-term agreement guarantees a fixed price for our energy costs.”
The port’s objective is to operate its seaport and airport with zero emissions. Renewable energy agreements, such as this one, help the port get closer to its target.
According to the deal, the port will purchase roughly eight megawatts (MW) of sustainable solar energy each year from Grace Orchard Energy Centre, LLC (Grace Solar Facility), which is situated in Riverside County, California. In comparison, 8 MW of power would offer electricity to around 6,400 houses each year.
Solar is one of the port’s primary renewable energy sources, among minor hydropower, geothermal, biomass, and biowaste.
The Grace Solar Facility is scheduled to open in the summer of 2027, and the Port of Oakland purchase deal begins in December 2027.
Recently, the Port of Oakland reported that its June full container volume continues to rise, indicating a return to pre-pandemic levels.