The Port of Oakland is on a path to greener shores with a renewed venture into renewable energy. In a move that promises to reduce its carbon footprint, the Port has struck a deal with the East Bay Municipal Utility District or EBMUD. Under this pact, set to commence on July 1, the Port will secure renewable energy certificates (RECs) to the tune of up to 17,700 megawatt-hours of cleaner energy every year by purchasing them at a steady $36 each, as announced in a recent Port of Oakland statement.
Each REC acquired by the Port of Oakland corresponds to one megawatt-hour of renewable electricity pumped into the grid. Poised to satisfy between 10% to 15% of the Port's power requirements, reliable sources claim this clean energy inflow is a calculated stride towards sustainable operations. "This agreement underscores the Port of Oakland's commitment to sustainability and its ongoing efforts to reduce emissions from powering Port operations," Andre Basler, Port of Oakland Director of Utilities, explained by the Port of Oakland. He noted the added perk of reinforcing local ties with organizations like EBMUD through this initiative.
EBMUD's wastewater treatment facility in West Oakland stands out as a beacon of self-sufficiency. The plant is a notable producer of electricity from biogas, which is more than it requires to run its operations. Amit Mutsuddy, EBMUD Director of Wastewater, told the Port of Oakland, "EBMUD's wastewater treatment plant can generate more electricity from biogas than it needs to operate the plant, making us self-sufficient and a net energy producer." He emphasized that this surplus enables EBMUD to funnel clean, renewable energy back to the grid, aiding the Port while reducing reliance on fossil fuels and diminishing greenhouse gas emissions.
