California says ‘yes’ to Port of Oakland’s Green Power Microgrid Project

The California Transportation Commission (CTC) voted to approve a $42 million grant to the Port of Oakland for its Green Power Microgrid Project. This project will markedly increase the Port’s ability to deliver green-sourced power to its seaport operations, bringing the Port even closer to its zero emissions goal.

The Port of Oakland joined forces with Caltrans, and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission to submit the grant. The project site is within the Port of Oakland seaport complex, and the Port will implement the project.

“We are very excited about this next step in decarbonizing port power and operations at the Port of Oakland,” said Port of Oakland Executive Director Danny Wan. “The Green Power Microgrid Project is a major milestone on our road to zero emissions.” Wan added, “We could not have succeeded without the support of Governor Newsom’s Administration, Bay Area legislators, Caltrans, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, numerous regional and environmental organizations and West Oakland community advocates. We are grateful for their advocacy and support, and for the commitment of the California Transportation Commission.”

The total project cost is $60 million. The Port of Oakland will provide approximately $18 million in funds for the project.

Project Benefits

The project is a one-of-a-kind plan among Ports in the U.S. It will dramatically increase the number of pieces of heavy-duty equipment that can be charged at seaport facilities, raising the Port's capacity to over 1,000 on- and off-road Zero Emissions Vehicles (ZEVs).

Once completed, the Microgrid will also increase the availability of green power for ships docked at Oakland and refrigerated containers in transit at Port facilities.

This project also supports the Port of Oakland's and California’s efforts to achieve its emissions reduction goals related to seaport operations. Additionally, the Microgrid will supply backup power to help insulate the Port of Oakland from regional power outages.

Project Components

• 145 heavy duty/Class 8 electrical chargers at 7 locations for yard, dockside and on-road, and transit vehicle use, increasing the number of ZEVs (zero emissions vehicles) that can be supported from 50 to over 1,000 throughout the seaport
• Solar generation infrastructure for increased green energy capacity for electric vehicles, other facilities and equipment
• Battery Energy Storage Systems storage capacity at 6 locations for clean energy storage, and to provide charging for vehicles and port operations during rolling blackouts times of peak energy demand
• 6 substation upgrades for electric grid modernization to support the Port's transition to zero emissions, accommodate future ZEV needs and ensure a resilient local electrical grid

Providing electrical infrastructure improvements to support zero emissions equipment and operations is essential to decarbonizing Oakland Seaport operations. The Green Power Microgrid Project will provide a key foundation to this critical goal.