Hueneme completes major solar carport project

The Port of Hueneme has completed a 913-kilowatt solar carport installation in partnership with renewable energy developer ForeFront Power, generating clean electricity while helping reduce operating costs and carbon emissions.

The system, installed over an automobile staging area near the Port of Hueneme/Oxnard Harbor District Administration building, is expected to produce more than 1.4 million kilowatt-hours of renewable electricity annually. The project was delivered at no upfront cost to the Port through a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA).

Jason Hodge, president of the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Directors, said: “The Port of Hueneme strives to be a leader in maritime sustainability, and this project demonstrates how decarbonisation creates both fiscal and environmental upsides for Californians.

“This solar carport turns our own headquarters into a working example of sustainable seaport operations and takes us one step closer to becoming the first fully zero-emission port in the United States.”

The installation is expected to eliminate approximately 730 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, equivalent to the greenhouse gas emissions produced by 170 passenger vehicles over a year. Surplus electricity not required by the Port will be exported to the local grid, helping strengthen regional power availability.

The development supports the Port’s Charging Forward to Zero Emissions by 2030 initiative, which aims to make it the first zero-emission port in the US. The port has previously demonstrated its environmental commitment by becoming the first California port certified by international maritime environmental programme Green Marine.

Under the PPA, ForeFront Power financed, developed and owns the installation, providing electricity at a fixed rate below utility prices. The company will also operate and maintain the system throughout the agreement without additional cost to the port.

Local businesses contributed to construction, with Central Coast Engineering undertaking paving and surfacing work and A-C Electric providing engineering, procurement and construction services.