The Port of Virginia (POV) will power all of its terminals with sustainable energy, expediting its aim of being carbon-neutral by 2040.
Stephen A. Edwards, CEO and Executive Director of POV, said: “Virginia is the first major US East Coast port to power its entire operation using 100 per cent clean electricity. In doing so, the port is building upon its reputation as America’s Most Modern Gateway.
“Our cargo operations and overall performance are world-class, and we are advancing sustainability goals that are aligned with how we operate. This is a modern approach to meeting our environmental targets and we are setting ourselves apart as a result.”
By cutting carbon emissions by 45 per cent each cargo, the port is able to offset its carbon impact. The reduction is reportedly in two categories, Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.
Scope 1 emissions are exhaust emissions from equipment, whereas Scope 2 emissions are created by the electricity required to power and charge electric equipment as well as supply port buildings with lighting, heating, and air conditioning, among other things.
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Glenn Davis, Director of the Virginia Department of Energy, stated: “The Port of Virginia has long been a leader in innovation and growth. It has continued that leadership into the energy sector by powering its entire port operation with 100 per cent clean energy.”
The port operates 116 electric stacking cranes, four electric rail cranes and 27 electric Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes. This fleet of all-electric equipment will grow as the port moves forward on the optimisation of the North Berth at Norfolk International Terminals: the expansion is expected to increase the fleet size to 152, seven and 31.
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POV noted that a Power Purchase Agreement with Dominion Energy and a rider with Rappahannock Electric Cooperative have resulted in the transition to clean power. The agreement assures that enough renewable energy is generated and allocated to meet all current and future operating megawatt requirements.
The port is reportedly investing $220 million in the development of the US East Coast’s first offshore wind logistics hub in Portsmouth at Portsmouth Marine Terminal (PMT).
POV revealed that this project is supporting Dominion Energy’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, a 176-unit wind-turbine-energy farm off of Virginia Beach and the largest offshore wind project in America to date. The first major components for the project are being discharged and stored at PMT.
