Port of Oakland Signs $19.3M Solar Energy Purchase Agreement to Power Airport and Seaport Operations
July 23, 2024
The Oakland Board of Port Commissioners announced it has approved a $19.3 million deal to buy solar power for the next 20 years. The Port of Oakland - a publicly owned utility - will resell the renewable power to its tenants, including those at the San Fransisco Bay Oakland International Airport and the Oakland Seaport, to help the Port achieve zero-emissions operations.
“The Port continues to build its long-term renewable energy portfolio, demonstrating our commitment to sustainability, which benefits our customers, community, and environment,” said Port of Oakland Chief Operating Officer Kristi McKenney. “Energy pricing can be unpredictable, so entering into a long-term agreement guarantees a fixed price for our energy costs.”
Through the agreement, the Port will purchase approximately 8 MW of renewable solar energy each year from the Grace Orchard Energy Center through its Grace Solar Facility, located in Riverside County, California. This is equivalent to the energy requirements of nearly 6,400 homes annually.
Solar is one of the most prominent energy sources utilized by the Port, followed by geothermal, hydroelectric, biomass, and biowaste. The Port will begin receiving solar energy following the Grace Solar Facility's commissioning in the Summer of 2027.
