New agreement with EBMUD will help “slash fossil fuel and cut greenhouse gas emissions” to build cleaner and greener Port
Oakland, Calif. – May 22, 2025: The Port of Oakland is taking a significant step towards a sustainable future by entering into a new agreement with the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) – that allows the Port to benefit from renewable energy generated from EBMUD’s wastewater treatment plant in West Oakland.
Starting July 1, 2025 and for the next 10 years, the Port will acquire renewable energy certificates (RECs) at a fixed price of $36 each. Each REC represents one megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity generated from a renewable energy source and delivered to the grid. This initiative is expected to add between 11,300 to 17,700 megawatt-hours of clean energy annually to the Port’s energy portfolio, contributing to 10% to 15% of its total energy needs.
“This agreement underscores the Port of Oakland’s commitment to sustainability and its ongoing efforts to reduce emissions from powering Port operations,” said Andre Basler, Port of Oakland Director of Utilities. “By leveraging local renewable energy sources, the Port is not only enhancing its sustainability credentials but also strengthening its partnership with local organizations like EBMUD.”
“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,” said EBMUD Director of Wastewater Amit Mutsuddy. “This means we can sell clean, renewable energy back to the grid, helping to power the Port of Oakland while slashing fossil fuel use and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.”
The Port operates a publicly owned utility system, powering more than 300 utility service connections to Port facilities (tenant-operated and Port-operated facilities) in support of Aviation, Maritime, and Commercial Real Estate operations. The Port has collaborated with EDMUD since 2012, purchasing renewable energy from the utilities’ various facilities.
About the Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland generates vital economic activity, community benefits and environmental innovation, as the Port decarbonizes its operations for a cleaner and greener future. Along with its partners, the Port supports 98,345 jobs in the region and $174 billion in annual economic activity. The Port oversees Oakland Airport (OAK), the Oakland Seaport and nearly 20 miles of waterfront including Jack London Square, and a publicly owned utility. The Port of Oakland is Everyone’s Port! Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland Airport through Facebook and Twitter, or with the Port on LinkedIn, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.
Media Contacts
Matt Davis
Port of Oakland
Chief Public Engagement Officer
(510) 627-1430
[email protected]
David DeWitt
Media/P.R. Specialist
Port of Oakland
(510) 627-1169
[email protected]