By using sustainable electricity to power all of its terminals, the Port of Virginia has accomplished a key milestone and taken a big step toward its ambitious goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2040. This is a historic move. According to Stephen A. Edwards, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority (VPA), this project makes Virginia the first significant U.S. East Coast port to run exclusively on 100 percent sustainable energy, enhancing its self-proclaimed title as America’s Most Modern Gateway.
The port’s use of sustainable power, which results in an astounding 45 percent decrease in carbon emissions per cargo, demonstrates its dedication to sustainability. This decrease focuses on scope 2 emissions (which come from energy needed to power and charge electric equipment and supply port buildings with lighting, heating, and air conditioning) as well as scope 1 emissions (which come from equipment exhaust).
Ahead of Schedule, and Still Improving
The Port of Virginia has exceeded its initial aim by eight years in terms of using sustainable energy in its operations, eight years ahead of schedule. The Virginia Department of Energy’s director, Glenn Davis, praised the port for its innovation and progress, especially in the energy industry, highlighting the organization’s unique forward-thinking attitude.
The port now has a large fleet of electric machinery, comprising of 27 electric ship-to-shore cranes, four electric rail cranes, and 116 electric stacking cranes. With Norfolk International Terminals’ North Berth optimized, this all-electric fleet is expected to grow even larger, reaching 152, seven, and 31 units, respectively.
Strategic alliances, such as a Power Purchase Agreement with Dominion Energy and a rider with Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, have enabled the transition to renewable power. Dominion Energy pledged to assist The Port of Virginia in its endeavor to become the first net-zero port on the US East Coast through its chair, president, and CEO, Robert M. Blue. Blue acknowledged the port’s contribution to the growth of offshore wind throughout the East Coast and underlined the need of giving consumers access to dependable, reasonably priced, and more greener energy.
The port, which is dedicated to sustainable energy, is spending $220 million at Portsmouth Marine Terminal (PMT) to establish the first offshore wind logistics center on the US East Coast. The largest offshore wind project in America to date, Dominion Energy’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, is supported by this calculated investment. The project, which includes a 176-unit wind farm off Virginia Beach, is in line with The Port of Virginia’s overarching goal of being a forward-thinking and sustainable enterprise.
In Summary
As the port grows its infrastructure to accommodate offshore wind projects and embraces clean energy, it not only leads by example but also establishes itself as a cutting-edge entry point that can satisfy the demands of clients and port users looking for ecologically friendly supply chains. The Port of Virginia is committed to influencing the use of sustainable energy in the marine sector, as seen by its proactive commitment to sustainability.
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