The port of Virginia is moving towards “green” actions, committed to its goal of becoming completely neutral from carbon emissions by 2040.
The last of those actions is the fulfillment of all the operational needs of the port in electricity from clean energy resources until 2024.
“This decision helps reduce our contribution to global climate change, protects our ocean and marine resources and makes us a better neighbor, six years ahead of schedule,” said Stephen A. Edwards, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority (VPA).
The port already supplies part of its electricity for its on-terminal cargo operations from renewable sources and an energy purchase agreement increases access to clean energy.
More specifically, through the agreement, the Virginia Department of Energy can allocate an additional 10% of the energy from 345 megawatts of solar projects completed by Dominion Energy along with the port’s proportionate share in the original contract.
“Our commitment to becoming a completely carbon-neutral operation by 2040 aligns us with some of the world’s leading ocean carriers, retailers, manufacturers, suppliers and multinational corporations. It is also a strategic business decision. Consumers worldwide are demanding clean – green — supply chains and our work will put us at the forefront of this change,” added Edwards.
Now, in combination with other solar, nuclear and wind resources, the port will be able to maintain a 100% clean energy source as its load increases.
“We look forward to providing carbon-free energy to The Port of Virginia and supporting its efforts to become the first carbon neutral port on the U.S. East Coast by 2040,” said Robert M. Blue, Dominion Energy’s chair, president and CEO.
“We are ahead of schedule on a couple of fronts. Almost five years ago, we began to electrify our operation, audit carbon emissions, replace aging equipment with greener machines and make greater use of technology,” Edwards noted.
“As a result, more than one-third of the equipment we use on terminal today is electric and our use of technology is driving efficiency. This is a start that we’re proud of, but we know we can do better, and this announcement is an important step forward,” he added.
The port follows an environmental programme that will achieve clean zero carbon emissions by the year 2040. The goal includes a reduction of 65% of greenhouse gas emissions and operation with 100% renewable energy sources by 2032.
