Port of Oakland and SunEdison Flip the Switch on New Zero Emission Solar Power System
Producing Approximately 1 Million Kilowatt Hours Annually, Ground Mounted Photovoltaic System is Significant Step in Meeting Port Board’s Environmental Directives
Oakland, CA – November 8, 2007
Source: Sun Edison.com press release
http://www.sunedison.com/
The Port of Oakland and SunEdison today celebrated the activation of a new 756 kW ground mounted solar power system. The zero emission clean solar power system is a major step in meeting the Oakland Board of Port Commissioners’ environmental directives and is the Port’s first utility generation plant. The photovoltaic system, which will deliver approximately 1 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of clean renewable energy annually, was deployed under a solar energy supply agreement with SunEdison, North America’s largest solar energy services provider.
Port Board President Anthony Batarse said, “The Port of Oakland’s mission includes promoting the environmental well-being of our region. The Port Commissioners believe that setting and meeting renewable energy goals is a way to help meet that commitment. With the Port’s very first energy plant, the decision was to go solar and that contributes to a healthy community.”
The Oakland Board of Port Commissioners approved a Renewable Portfolio Standard for the Port’s Wholesale Electric Power July 6, 2004. This new solar power system will contribute to the Port of Oakland’s continuing commitment to obtain 20 % of its electricity from renewable sources. According to Port of Oakland Executive Director Omar Benjamin, “The Port of Oakland is taking a leadership role with this innovative public-private partnership. This partnership allows the Port to leverage its investment in clean energy for maximum benefit. The new solar power system is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 17 million pounds during the initial 20 years of this project.”
Jerry Serventi, the Port’s Director of Engineering, described the power of the project, “In its first full year of operation, this photovoltaic power system with nearly 4,000 panels will generate more than 1,000,000 kilowatt hours of clean renewable solar energy. This will have an immediate beneficial impact upon our environment.”
As the private partner, SunEdison financed, built and will maintain the solar power system. The Port will purchase all the clean renewable energy generated under a long-term, predictably-priced contract. The Port of Oakland’s Assistant Director of Aviation Deborah Ale-Flint said, “We are very pleased that the clean solar energy generated by the system will provide electricity not only for the Port of Oakland but also for our Port tenants at Oakland international Airport’s South and North fields.” “SunEdison is extremely proud to be part of this public-private partnership with the Port of Oakland to
deploy clean renewable energy,” noted Mark Culpepper, VP of Strategic Marketing of SunEdison. “This is 2 Port of Oakland, SunEdison – Solar Power System truly a long-term partnership, where our services to the Port of Oakland will in turn support their commitment to being a good community member. The solar power system at Oakland International Airport is a sign of that commitment.”
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 container port 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. For more information visit www.portofoakland.com
About SunEdison
Sun Edison LLC is North America’s largest solar energy services provider. SunEdison provides solargenerated energy at or below current retail utility rates to a broad and diverse client base of commercial, municipal and utility customers. For more information about SunEdison, please visit www.sunedison.com. The company headquarters is located in Beltsville, Md.