Oakland, CA – 06-06-06 – The Oakland Board of Port Commissioners (Port Board) authorized the Port’s executive director to enter into the Port’s first solar energy purchase agreement Tuesday, June 6, 2006 at the Port board meeting. Port Board President Kenneth S. Katzoff said, “This public/private partnership is an innovative approach to providing some of the Port’s energy needs and demonstrates our continuing commitment to environmentally responsible decisions.” In July 2004, the Port Board established a Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS). The RPS requires that by 2017, 20 percent of the electricity purchased for resale by the Port comes from renewable energy sources.
Port of Oakland Executive Director Jerry Bridges stated, “Getting a portion of our electricity from the a solar power system rather than from conventional fossil fuel power plants will have a positive impact on air quality by reducing greenhouse emissions.” The solar power system will reduce greenhouse gas emissions (CO2) by an estimated 33 million pounds over the initial 20-year life of the agreement.
The agreement will allow the Port to purchase the solar power generated by approximately one megawatt of solar panels that would be located at Oakland International Airport and is expected to go online in February 2007. The solar power facility will be designed, built, owned, operated and financed by SunEdison LLC for a period of 20 years. The electricity produced will be distributed by the Port’s system. Port staff anticipates that SunEdison’s proposed Photovoltaic Generation System (PVGS) will generate approximately 24 million kilowatt hours over the 20-year period of the contract at a cost to the Port of about $4.1 million. Following a request for proposals, SunEdison was selected as the Port’s solar power partner because it provided the proposal that was the most beneficial to the Port.
“Another practical benefit of having a local solar power system is that it allows the Port to reduce its demand on the State’s electrical transmission systems,” remarked Jerry Serventi, the Port’s Director of Engineering. A 170,000 square foot ground–based solar power system will be installed between runway L27 and the Ron Cowan parkway at Oakland International Airport. Rooftop-based systems on various Airport buildings will also be installed.
According to SunEdison’s Brian Jacolick, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, “We are very pleased to be selected by the Port of Oakland for this twenty-year partnership. SunEdison is dedicated to providing financial and installation solutions for solar projects. We believe that solar energy is a critical way to fight global warming, clean the air, and meet America’s growing energy needs.”
About the Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport and 19 miles of waterfront. The Oakland seaport is the 4th busiest containerport in the U.S.; Oakland International Airport offers more than 200 daily non-stop flights to 42 domestic and international destinations; and the Port’s commercial real estate includes Jack London Square, Oakland's premier entertainment spot along the waterfront. The Port of Oakland was established in 1927 and is an independent department of the City of Oakland.
Port of Oakland
Marilyn Sandifur
Media and Public Relations Specialist
510.627.1193
msandifur@portoakland.com
