The California Transportation Commission (CTC) voted to provide the Port of Oakland a US$42 million funding for its Green Power Microgrid Project.
This project will significantly improve the port’s potential to provide green-sourced electricity to its seaport operations, bringing it closer to its zero-emissions target.
The Port of Oakland collaborated with Caltrans and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission to submit the grant. The project site is within the Port of Oakland seaport complex, and the Californian port will implement the project.
The entire cost of the project is US$60 million with the Port of Oakland contributing around US$18 million.
The plan is expected to significantly boost the number of heavy-duty vehicles that can be charged at seaport facilities, allowing the Port to charge over 1,000 on- and off-road Zero Emissions Vehicles (ZEVs).
The Microgrid, once finished, will also boost the availability of green electricity for ships docked at Oakland and refrigerated cargo in transit at Port facilities.
Furthermore, the Microgrid will provide backup power to assist protect the Port of Oakland from regional power outages.
The project’s supporters propose installing 145 heavy duty/Class 8 electrical chargers in seven places for yard, dockside, on-road and transit vehicle use, boosting the number of ZEVs (zero emissions vehicles) that may be supported from 50 to over 1,000.
In addition, solar generation infrastructure will be built to improve green energy capacity for electric vehicles, as well as other facilities and equipment.
Furthermore, Battery Energy Storage Systems will provide storage capacity for renewable energy storage at six locations, as well as charging for vehicles and port operations during rolling blackouts in peak energy demand periods.
Additionally, there will be six substation modifications for electric grid modernisation to support the port’s zero-emissions transition, accommodate future ZEV demands, and provide a robust local electrical system.
