Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy will continue to be key initiatives in reducing electricity use and greenhouse gas emissions.
Energy Efficiency
In order to meet the Port’s Climate Action Plan goals, energy efficiency continues to be a key initiative in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Projects have included retrofitting existing lighting to more efficient LED technology, educational programs for employees, and conducting energy audits on Port facilities to identify future initiatives.
The Port and San Diego Gas & Electric have partnered together to implement energy efficiency through the Port’s Local Government Partnership which provides the Port with annual funds to conduct energy efficiency across Port facilities.
Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal Microgrid
With a $4.9 million grant from the California Energy Commission, the Port of San Diego has installed a renewable, solar-powered microgrid at the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal, one of the Port’s two marine cargo terminals. Solar photovoltaic panels power the microgrid, which includes battery energy storage, energy efficiency lighting retrofits, electrical infrastructure improvements, and a centralized microgrid controller. The microgrid provides a resilient source of power while reducing greenhouse gas emissions at the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal, saving the Port approximately 60 percent per year on electrical utilities at the terminal and enabling the operation of critical terminal infrastructure for approximately four hours in the case of an electrical outage.
The microgrid went online in early 2024, providing backup power to critical Port facilities in support of the Port’s role as a Strategic Port. As one of 18 designated U.S. Strategic Ports, the Port stands ready to support military deployment activities.
Renewable Energy
The Port continues to pursue renewable energy projects in support of its Climate Action Plan. Currently, the Port operates four solar photovoltaic systems at the following sites: The Port Administration Building, The Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier, B St. Cruise Ship Terminal, and the Port’s General Services Building. These systems combined generate approximately 530,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually, equivalent to enough energy to power 45 homes for one year. The Port is adding 750 kilowatts of solar to power its new microgrid at the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal.