November 12, 2007 SunEdison, the largest solar power provider in the US, has activated a new plant in California. The sunny state has been a hive of recent activity in the world of solar energy production and the new 756 kW ground mounted system will power the Port of Oakland in a major step towards meeting the Oakland Board of Port Commissioners’ environmental directives.
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport and 19 miles of waterfront. As the Port’s first utility generation plant, the photovoltaic system will deliver approximately 1 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of clean renewable energy annually. This new solar power system comprises nearly 4000 panels and will contribute to the Port of Oakland’s continuing commitment to obtain 20% of its electricity from renewable sources.
Port Board President Anthony Batarse said, “The Port of Oakland’s mission includes promoting the environmental well-being of our region. The Port Commissioners believe that setting and meeting renewable energy goals is a way to help meet that commitment. With the Port’s very first energy plant, the decision was to go solar and that contributes to a healthy community.”
The new solar power system is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 17 million pounds during the initial 20 years of the project. As the private partner, SunEdison financed, built and will maintain the solar power system. The Port will purchase all the clean renewable energy generated under a long-term, predictably-priced contract.
