The Port of Long Beach says it is
instituting a new energy policy to increase its efficiency, conservation,
resiliency and renewable energy.
“When we look at our future energy demands
due to shore power, zero-emissions programs and more, it’s imperative that we
increase our energy security,” Harbor Commissioner Rich Dines, Chair of the
Commission’s Energy Subcommittee, said. “This energy policy will guide the
creation of an energy program that will improve the environment and business
continuity at the port.”
The port says the energy policy was created
in anticipation of increasing demand for electricity at Long Beach with air
quality improvement programs such as shoreside power, which allows massive
cargo ships to shut down diesel engines and plug into landside electricity
while at berth.
In coming years, the port says, air quality
efforts will continue to fuel demand for electricity at the port, as will the
introduction of cutting-edge marine terminal equipment that runs on electricity
and not diesel fuel.
“Just as our environmental initiatives have
changed the way we think about construction, operations, maintenance and
properties, this energy policy adds another lens we look through when making
decisions as it relates to energy in the future,” port Director of
Environmental Planning Rick Cameron said. “We want to be efficient and we want
to be innovative, because this keeps us competitive.”
The program will also look at improving
ways to keep the port operating in the event of a crisis that could impact the
flow of electricity to the port.
Long Beach says it will collaborate its
efforts with port tenants, utilities, other city departments, industry
stakeholders, labor unions, the Port of Los Angeles and others.
