Sustainability: Los Angeles
Los Angeles Port Advances Clean-Energy Solar Power Projects
The Port of Los Angeles has entered a long-term agreement with Hecate Energy Harborside LLC to build, operate and maintain photovoltaic (PV) solar power systems (PV Systems) that will generate electricity at multiple site locations within the port. The PV Systems will feed clean energy to the utility grid operated by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP).
The port says the agreement supports its larger goals under the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) to expand the use of clean energy and related infrastructure while continuing to improve air quality throughout Southern California. Key initiatives to date include a 1 megawatt (MW) PV System atop the port’s World Cruise Center.
"To truly eliminate air pollution, the process for generating energy must be as clean as the energy itself," said Port Executive Director Gene Seroka. "These new solar projects represent the kind of innovation we embrace as part of our ongoing commitment to operate a commercially vibrant and sustainable seaport."
Hecate will build and operate PV Systems at up to 12 different site locations on port property with a total capacity of approximately 10 MW. The locations are a mix of rooftop, parking lot, and underutilized ground mount site locations.
The 10 MW of solar energy is enough electricity to power approximately 2,500 homes. It also represents approximately one-sixth of the port’s current power demand.
Under the agreement with the port, Hecate will operate its PV Systems for 20 years, starting when each site becomes operational. Subject to final approval by the Los Angeles City Council, the PV Systems are expected to begin generating electricity in mid-2016.
The port will receive approximately 7 percent of Hecate’s gross annual revenue from the sale of its electricity to the LADWP. The port’s income is projected to total more than $2.8 million over the life of the operating agreement. No costs to the port are anticipated outside of expedited roofing maintenance.
The port committed to installing 10 MW of photovoltaic solar power on its property under an umbrella agreement with the California Office of the Attorney General. The operating agreement with Hecate will help the port both meet and exceed its commitment.