The Port of San Diego aims to show the world just how much microgrids benefit ports with its solar microgrid project, supported with a $4.9 million grant from the California Energy Commission (CEC).
About $4.4 million in matching funds will be provided by the port for the microgrid, which is expected to have 700 kW of solar and 700 kW of energy storage.
A portion of the port’s electrical needs will be served by the microgrid — the demand from the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal.
The port has two cargo terminals, one in San Diego and one in National City, and two cruise terminals in San Diego. It also has public parks, piers, marinas, museums, hotels, restaurants, retail and more on the 34 miles of San Diego Bay waterfront. The port is located adjacent to the airport and also to a disadvantaged community, both of which will reap advantages from the microgrid.
“The port will be evaluating its operation 24 hours a day. We hope to come up with a business case to show how microgrids can benefit the ports all over the world,” said Mike Gravely, CEC research program manager.
It’s especially important to focus on ports because they often emit greenhouse gases due to the use of diesel-powered trucks and other vehicles for loading and unloading equipment, noted Gravely. In addition, they’re often home to airports and other critical facilities. The Port of San Diego is located in an area that has high population density and high pollution.
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