Port of Virginia Goes 100% Clean Energy
The Port of Virginia is going green by using clean electricity to power all its terminals. This move is part of the port's plan to be carbon-neutral by 2040.
The CEO of the Virginia Port Authority, Stephen A. Edwards, said that Virginia is now the first major East Coast port in the US to run entirely on 100 per cent clean electricity. This step aligns with the port's reputation as America's Most Modern Gateway, focusing on top-notch cargo operations and overall performance.
By making the switch to clean electricity, the port is reducing its carbon footprint by 45 per cent per container. This reduction includes emissions from equipment exhaust and the electricity used to power equipment and light up the port's buildings.
This achievement also puts the port way ahead of its original goal, moving from 2032 to today, showing a commitment to sustainability. Glenn Davis, from the Virginia Department of Energy, praised the port's long-standing leadership in innovation and growth.
Currently, the port operates a fleet of electric stacking cranes, electric rail cranes, and electric ship-to-shore cranes. They plan to grow this fleet as part of expanding operations at Norfolk International Terminals.
The move to clean electricity is made possible through agreements with Dominion Energy and Rappahannock Electric Cooperative. Dominion Energy's CEO, Robert M. Blue, expressed their dedication to supporting the port's journey to becoming the first net-zero port on the East Coast.
In addition to clean energy, the port is investing $220 million in creating the first offshore wind logistics hub on the East Coast. This hub supports a large wind project off Virginia Beach, solidifying the port's role in the clean energy transition.
Source: Port of Virginia
