The Oakland Port Commissioners have spent $19.3 million to buy solar power. This investment will last 20 years and aims to enhance its environmental reputation while securing stable energy costs. Instead of keeping all the energy for themselves, they will sell it to tenants like the Oakland International Airport and the Oakland Seaport. This move benefits both sustainability goals and financial stability amid fluctuating energy prices, according to the Port of Oakland.
According to Kristi McKenney, the Chief Operating Officer of the Port of Oakland, this investment underscores their commitment to sustainability and ensures predictable energy costs in an unpredictable market. Their broader aim is to achieve zero emissions at their airport and seaport, with solar energy playing a crucial role alongside other renewable sources like hydro, geothermal, biomass, and biowaste.
Solar energy, which originates from the Grace Solar Facility in Riverside County, California, will generate eight megawatts annually, which could power approximately 6,400 homes each year. The facility is set to begin operations in the summer of 2027, with the Port's purchase agreement starting later that December.
