Port of Oakland Touts Carbon-Free Energy Use

Image: Port of Oakland.

Nearly 67% of the Port of Oakland Utility’s power comes from carbon-free energy sources, the Northern California seaport announced Jan. 12.

The Port Utility supplied nearly half of its power from renewable resources, higher than California’s average of 33.6%, according to the 2021 Port Utility Green Power Portfolio, which is annually submitted to the California Energy Commission.

Of that 49.9%, 21.9% came from solar energy, 18.4% from wind power and 9.4% from biomass and biowaste (9.4%).

Large hydroelectric sources also accounted for an additional 8.7% of energy and solar added 8.3%, for a total of 66.9% in green power, the port said. 

“This covers the external purchases of energy, but the port also has internal solar and fuel cells operating daily, further increasing its overall green energy use,” the port explained.

“It’s rewarding to be able to harness the sustainable power of the sun, water, wind, waste products and geothermal sources to supply the port’s power needs,” Port Manager of Utilities Administration Jared Carpenter said.

“Operating an electric utility in California today is challenging with storms, wildfires and droughts that impede availability of power,” he continued. “However, the port’s mix of power resources demonstrates our commitment to providing cleaner energy, reliable power and rates lower than surrounding utilities.”

By Karen Robes Meeks