Electrification and clean power drive Port of Oakland sustainability efforts

The Port of Oakland is achieving major progress toward its environmental objectives by embarking on infrastructure improvements that support an entirely zero-emissions cargo-handling fleet at the Matson Terminal, and by now obtaining most of the electricity for its facilities from renewable and zero-carbon sources.

New charging and electrical infrastructure will be installed as part of a seaport-wide construction project, facilitating the transition at the Matson Terminal to fully zero-emissions cargo-handling equipment. The development will make the facility the first marine terminal at the port to operate such a fleet. Funding support is being provided through a $119 million contribution from the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA)'s Port and Freight Infrastructure Program (PFIP).

The project forms part of broader efforts to reduce emissions, improve freight efficiency, and strengthen the port’s competitiveness. Operated by SSA Terminals – a joint venture between SSA Marine, a Green Marine certified participant, and Matson – the new electrical infrastructure is scheduled to be in place by 2028.

As the port advances the electrification of its operations, it is also increasing the share of clean energy supplied to its facilities. In 2025, 84% of the electricity delivered by its publicly owned utility, Port Public Power, to its port facilities and tenants came from renewable and zero-carbon sources, with 61% from renewable resources alone. Geothermal energy represented the largest renewable source, followed by solar, biomass and biogas, and a small hydroelectric power source.

The cleaner energy supports emissions reduction as equipment and vehicles at the port are switched from diesel to electric power. The port has also secured battery energy storage capacity through a 20-year agreement with Trolley Pass Project LLC, helping to prepare the power system for an increasing demand for clean energy in the future.

_{Photo provided by the Port of Oakland}