Marine Exchange of Southern California Goes Green

The Port of Los Angeles and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa recently launched a "new era of clean energy for the Marine Exchange of Southern California".

At the top of the Angels Gate Park has been constructed a solar and wind power system to generate all of the electricity required for the Marine Exchange (high-tech operations for tracking vehicles entering and leaving Southern California).

This project cost a total of $450,000 and was achieved with the support of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power alongside the Port of Los Angeles.

“With this project, the Marine Exchange gains its energy independence and Los Angeles takes another step forward to becoming one of the world’s cleanest big cities,” said Mayor Villaraigosa. “Government can’t do it alone, and we applaud the Marine Exchange of Southern California for teaming with us to create a winning project that makes our city a healthier place to live and work.”

“This project showcases environmental stewardship at its best,” said Port Executive Director Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D. “Not only is the Marine Exchange producing its own electricity, it is generating surplus clean energy and giving back to the community by contributing the additional power to the grid.”

"Through our EcoAd program we were pleased to direct advertising dollars toward the Port of Los Angeles, which ultimately helped make the Marine Exchange a net zero energy user,” said Paul Polizzotto, President and Founder of EcoMedia. "Successes like this clean, green renewable energy project reinforce our commitment to work with advertisers and communities to continue to make positive social change."

“We are the modern equivalent of a lighthouse that helps ships find their way safely,” said Capt. Richard McKenna, Executive Director of the Marine Exchange. “With this project, we are also a figurative lighthouse helping to guide the way to cleaner, greener operations in the San Pedro Bay.”

The Marine Exchange is an important partner to the San Pedro Bay ports. The Exchange is a non profit organisation that is also used as an information broker, where there information is used by the public and private sector.

Designed and built over more than two years, the Renewable Energy Project means the Marine Exchange’s 24-7 operations now run on electricity generated by a sustainable network of 286 solar panels and four wind turbines. The system generates more than 87 kW: enough capacity to support the Marine Exchange’s 55-60 kW power needs and feed the surplus to the city’s power grid.

The project taps into the vast solar and wind resources of the Marine’s Exchange location atop one of the highest points in San Pedro. The site has unobstructed southeast exposure and afternoon westerly winds that offer some of the best windsurfing in Southern California at the beaches below. The wind component, designed with a vertical generator to protect birds, is experimental. The added source of electricity ensures that the Marine Exchange will remain self-sufficient.

With the help of city grants and rebates, the direct cost of energy independent to the Marine Exchange is less than $200,000. The organization expects to pay off the expense over the next six to seven years, at which time its annual electricity bill of $20,000 will be history.