Posted on January 8, 2024
The Port of Virginia is the first major U.S. East Coast port to power its entire operation using 100 percent clean electricity.
As stated, the port aims to become carbon-neutral by 2040 and has achieved this milestone eight years ahead of its original 2032 goal. The use of clean electricity reduces carbon emissions by 45 percent per container, targeting both scope 1 (equipment exhaust) and scope 2 (electricity-related) emissions.
“Virginia is the first major US East Coast port to power its entire operation using 100 percent clean electricity. This is a modern approach to meeting our environmental targets and we are setting ourselves apart as a result.”
… said Stephen A. Edwards, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority (VPA).
The port currently operates 116 electric stacking cranes, four electric rail cranes, and 27 electric ship-to-shore cranes. The transition to clean electricity is a result of a Power Purchase Agreement with Dominion Energy and a rider with Rappahannock Electric Cooperative.
The Power Purchase Agreement ensures the generation and allocation of enough clean energy to support all current and future operational megawatt requirements.
“The Port of Virginia has long been a leader in innovation and growth. It has continued that leadership into the energy sector by powering its entire port operation with 100 percent clean energy.”
… commented Glenn Davis, director of the Virginia Department of Energy
Furthermore, the Port of Virginia is investing $220 million in the development of the U.S. East Coast’s first offshore wind logistics hub in Portsmouth, supporting Dominion Energy’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project.
The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project is a 176-unit wind-turbine-energy farm off Virginia Beach, representing the largest offshore wind project in America to date.
