The Port of Oakland has entered into a new agreement with the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) that allows the port to benefit from renewable energy generated from EBMUD’s wastewater treatment plant in West Oakland.
Starting 1 July 2025 and for the next 10 years, the port will acquire renewable energy certificates (RECs) at a fixed price of $36 each. Each REC represents one megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity generated from a renewable energy source and delivered to the grid.
This initiative is expected to add between 11,300 to 17,700 megawatt-hours of clean energy annually to the port’s energy portfolio, contributing to 10 per cent to 15 per cent of its total energy needs.
The port operates a publicly owned utility system, powering more than 300 utility service connections to port facilities (tenant-operated and port-operated facilities) in support of Aviation, Maritime, and Commercial Real Estate operations. The port has collaborated with EDMUD since 2012, purchasing renewable energy from the utilities’ various facilities.
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“This agreement underscores the Port of Oakland’s commitment to sustainability and its ongoing efforts to reduce emissions from powering port operations,” said Andre Basler, Port of Oakland Director of Utilities.
“By leveraging local renewable energy sources, the port is not only enhancing its sustainability credentials but also strengthening its partnership with local organisations like EBMUD.”
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“EBMUD’s wastewater treatment plant can generate more electricity from biogas than it needs to operate the plant, making us self-sufficient and a net energy producer,” said EBMUD Director of Wastewater Amit Mutsuddy.
“This means we can sell clean, renewable energy back to the grid, helping to power the Port of Oakland while slashing fossil fuel use and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.”
Earlier this month, the Port of Oakland refurbished its Berth 10—a Dredge Material Rehandling Facility—to address operational needs and support long-term development.
