Port turns solar power supplier

The stake in the newly expanded solar array at Antelope Valley Solar Ranch in California, provides thirty percent of the port’s power requirements and the surplus can be sold on to make money.

“This is a project that has been six years in the making,” said Danny Wan, executive director, Port of Oakland.

“Using renewable power sources to meet our energy needs is another important step towards zero-emissions and a greener port.”

Wise move

The move dates back to March 2017, when the port approved an US$8.9 million deal to buy 11,000-megawatt hours of electricity power annually from the solar farm.

Oakland’s commitment is equivalent to using about 50 acres of the 1300-acre solar array.

The port said that investing in energy from the sun on a large scale significantly decreases the cost of this renewable power.

Mr Wan said that the port anticipates that the purchase of this renewable energy over the next 20 years will save money. That’s because solar power is cheaper than energy from fossil fuels that the port would need if not for this investment.

The energy generated annually represents around 7% of the port utility’s overall power needs and helps ensure the port can surpass the California renewable portfolio standards requirements under Senate Bill 100.

“Energy resources are challenging to find right now and energy prices are hitting highs we have not seen since 2001,” said Jared Carpenter, manager of utility administration, Port of Oakland.

“Therefore, this solar array coming online at this time is perfect for the port utility energy portfolio.”