The Port of Long Beach, the second-busiest seaport in the United States, has completed the installation of 3,290 Mitsubishi Electric photovoltaic (PV) solar modules to generate approximately 1,547MWh of energy and prevent 1,127 tons of carbon dioxide from polluting the environment every year.
As part of the Middle Harbour Terminal Redevelopment Project, an ongoing $1.31bn project to upgrade two old container terminals at the port, the PV system will contribute to cutting Long Beach Container Terminal’s air pollution by 50%. The project will also double the container handling capacity of the two terminals from its current 1.3 million TEUs per year.
The PV system, installed by electrical contractor Rosendin Electric and developed by solar developer PFMG Solar, has been built roof on top of 12 carport structures (pictured) at two sites at the Port of Long Beach terminal E.
Image shows left to right: Allan Schurr, president of Edison Energy; Doug Drummond, commissioner of the Port of Long Beach; Anthony Otto, president of Long Beach Container Terminal; Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia; Gina Heng, vice president and general manager of Mitsubishi Electric Photovoltaic Division; and James Hankla, senior vice president of governmental relations at PFMG Solar, watch the ceremonial flip of the switch to power on the new 904.75kW solar array at Long Beach Container Terminal.
Long Beach Container Terminal (LBCT), a subsidiary of Orient Overseas Container Line, operates the terminal and has purchased the electricity generated by the system through a 25-year power purchase agreement with SoCore Energy/Edison Energy.
Project highlights:
- Rehabilitate and modernize aging infrastructure at Middle Harbor (Piers D, E and F)
- Dramatically reduce air pollution and health risks as new equipment and efficiencies are built into the terminal
- Create about 14,000 permanent jobs in Southern California
- Generate 1,000 temporary construction-related jobs a year over nine years
- Implement aggressive environmental measures of the the Green Port Policy and San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan
- Reduce traffic impacts through increased use of on-dock rail
Anthony Otto, president of Long Beach Container Terminal, said:“With the aggressive environmental measures mandated by the Green Port Policy, the Port of Long Beach is a model for ports around the world. This new solar system at LBCT terminal E helps us become the first near-zero-emission container terminal on the planet.
“Because of our location, we need robust solar modules that can withstand corrosion from high salt content in the air. Mitsubishi Electric modules can withstand nearly any environment, even those with high levels of salt content.” added Otto.
At a solar commissioning ceremony held at the LBCT to celebrate the installation, Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia said: “Long Beach Container Terminal is taking a leadership role toward a more sustainable city. I applaud the efforts of all parties involved in this installation, making LBCT a shining example of environmentally friendly port operations.”
