The Port of Oakland announced two crucial achievements in its effort to become the “cleanest and most ecological” port in the United States, as in 2024, it reached a record where 86% of the electricity it provided to its tenants and facilities came from renewable and carbon-free sources; and it secured a long-term storage services agreement that will help advance the complete transition to clean energy.
In 2024, 62% of the Port of Oakland’s energy supply came from renewable sources, including geothermal, solar, and biomass energy, while an additional 24% came from large hydroelectric plants. In this context, the terminal nearly doubled the flexible target of California’s Renewable Portfolio Standard, which sets a 44% renewable energy requirement.
“This milestone reflects our constant commitment to creating a resilient, affordable, and sustainable energy portfolio for the Port and its tenants. Even facing market challenges, we remain focused on procuring sustainable energy that reduces emissions and supports California’s energy goals,” stated Andre Basler, Port of Oakland Utilities Director.
The Port of Oakland also signed an agreement with Trolley Pass Project LLC to secure long-term energy storage services that will help stabilize energy costs, provide environmental benefits, and support the goals of the Strategic Plan for the transition to zero emissions and the development of infrastructure resilience.
The agreement, approved by the Board of Commissioners, establishes the Port of Oakland’s participation in a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) of up to 400 megawatts, located in San Bernardino County. The port will receive 4 megawatts of storage capacity under a 20-year Energy Storage Service Contract, with a total cost not to exceed $13.3 million.
