DETROIT/WAYNE COUNTY PORT AUTHORITY INITIATES DECARBONIZATION PROJECT
| The ground-breaking decarbonization project initiated by the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority is underway. Carbon Scientist and Project Lead, Dr. Robert Moorcroft has written an article about the port’s ambitious efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability in the port industry. The article has been published by reputable maritime publisher, Marine Log. |
DR ROBERT MOORCROFT, PhD |
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EXCERPT
The Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority in Michigan has initiated a 12-month project to reach net zero carbon emissions for port activities by 2040, as well as improving air quality.
The carbon consultancy is led by UK-based Tunley Engineering. Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision (SDEV) led the community engagement. The project will initially calculate baseline measurements of port activities with respect to greenhouse gas emissions, and other harmful emissions, such as PM2.5. Port activities include shipping, loading/unloading, indirect energy (electricity) and drayage. Industrial processes will be excluded from the project.
Tunley Engineering says that by working alongside the terminal operators, opportunities to decarbonize, by electrification of equipment for example, will be explored. Various options will be discussed with terminal operators, considering capital, and running costs, practicability, and availability. Several grants are available to assist with capital expenditure. Alongside carbon reduction plans for each terminal, a document for the whole port will consider shared infrastructure requirements, for example, options for the generation of renewable electricity.
Grants and Carbon Reduction Opportunities
The Inflation Reduction Act has paved the way for businesses to access funding for clean infrastructure. Furthermore, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has enabled $80 million of funding every year for the reduction of truck emissions at port facilities. Many of the terminals along the Detroit and Rouge rivers qualify for this funding.