Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions, Industrial  -  January 5, 2024

Port of Virginia Powers Terminals with 100% Clean Energy

The Port of Virginia is powering all its terminals with electricity from clean resources so that it can achieve a goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2040.

“Virginia is the first major US East Coast port to power its entire operation using 100 percent clean electricity,” said Stephen A. Edwards, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority (VPA), in a statement. “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.”

Using clean electricity helps the port offset its carbon footprint by reducing carbon emissions by 45% per container. The reduction comes in two target areas, Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Scope 1 emissions are exhaust from equipment, and Scope 2 are the emissions generated from the electricity used to power and charge electric equipment, as well as supplying port buildings with lighting, heating, air conditioning, etc.

This accomplishment puts the port eight years ahead of its original 2032 goal of using clean energy to power operations.

The port signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Dominion Energy and a rider with Rappahannock Electric Cooperative. The PPA ensures the generation and allocation of enough clean energy to support all current and future operational megawatt requirements.

The port is also investing $220 million in the development of the US East Coast’s first offshore wind logistics hub in Portsmouth at Portsmouth Marine Terminal (PMT). This project is supporting Dominion Energy’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, a 176-unit wind-turbine-energy farm off of Virginia Beach. 

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