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Press Release
SunTrain Celebrates Earth Day at the Port of Oakland with Renewable Energy Demonstration
OAKLAND, Calif., April 26, 2024 -- In celebration of Earth Day, SunTrain – a pioneer in renewable energy distribution – visited the Port of Oakland to showcase the benefits of its "Trainsmission" technology on energy distribution, and how it could contribute to the Port's leadership toward environmental sustainability and innovation within the maritime industry.
SunTrain specializes in the delivery of renewable energy via containerized batteries on existing freight rail networks. The company's innovative approach capitalizes on the efficiency and reliability of existing rail networks 100,000+ miles of capacity to transport and deliver renewable energy, offering a cost-effective and rapid solution to transmission bottlenecks and energy storage limitations.
This method bypasses traditional grid limitations, offering a direct line from renewable generation sites to high-demand urban centers and structurally constrained areas. While the transmission grid is already close to capacity, the railroad grid is not. SunTrain can move gigawatt-hours of renewable energy – a single SunTrain can deliver the energy of two nuclear plants operating for an hour – across the existing rail network to where and when it is needed.
With railyards adjacent to its maritime operations, the demonstration showed how the Port of Oakland is uniquely positioned to seamlessly integrate SunTrain's technology, while directly aligning with the Port's goal of zero-emissions operations by 2050.
This proximity is key to the company's mission to deliver clean energy right where it's needed most, efficiently, and effectively. Immediate access to clean energy means immediate benefits for the communities around the Port of Oakland, many of which have been disproportionately affected by pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from traditional energy sources.
As the Port of Oakland continues to prioritize environmental sustainability and responsible growth, SunTrain represents a significant opportunity to reduce its carbon footprint and promote a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.
For more information about SunTrain, please visit www.suntrain.co.
For more information about the Port of Oakland, please visit www.portofoakland.com.
About SunTrain
SunTrain resolves massive transmission bottlenecks that are throttling renewable energy generation. SunTrain seamlessly stores green energy from remote solar and wind farms within customized battery containers that are transported over existing railroad networks. This links generation sites and congested substation nodes, bypassing the conventional transmission system. According to the DoE's 2023 Transmission Study, the U.S. requires 115,000 gigawatt-miles of new transmission lines by 2040, double its current capacity. SunTrain solves these colossal problems through a new means of green energy distribution: "Trainsmission". SunTrain serves regions where energy storage is nearly nonexistent and new traditional hard-wired transmission lines face insurmountable obstacles.
About the Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland generates vital economic activity, community benefits and environmental innovation, as the Port decarbonizes its operations for a cleaner and greener future. Along with its partners, the Port supports 98,345 jobs in the region and $174 billion in annual economic activity. The Port oversees Oakland International Airport, the Oakland Seaport and nearly 20 miles of waterfront including Jack London Square, and a publicly owned utility. The Port of Oakland is Everyone's Port! Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook and Twitter, or with the Port on LinkedIn, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.
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"One of the greatest advantages of our technology is its immediacy," said Jeff Anderson, CEO of SunTrain. "While other infrastructure projects might take years to develop, SunTrain is here now, ready to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy resilience, ensuring we can respond to grid outages swiftly and keep energy flowing even during natural disasters."
"Our mission leverages the existing 100,000+ miles of U.S. rail capacity to move clean energy immediately from renewable sources to places like the Port of Oakland, where it is most needed," said Christopher Smith, Founder and CTO of SunTrain. "Bypassing years of waiting for costly traditional transmission upgrades, optimizing grid performance and alleviating congestion."
"This exciting and innovative initiative supports the Port of Oakland's commitment to environmental stewardship," said Port of Oakland Director of Maritime Bryan Brandes. "We are dedicated to zero-emission seaport operations while continuing to grow our maritime business."
"On behalf of Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, we were excited to welcome SunTrain to Oakland on Earth Day, with their bold plan to bring up to 2 gigawatts of clean power to frontline communities like ours, using existing freight lines," said Julie Caskey, Director of Climate Partnerships, Office of Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao. "SunTrain's plans align well with Mayor Thao's vision for Oakland's clean energy future, where we need more power than we can access from the grid for our own Equitable Climate Action Plan goals, and to further Oakland's future as the hub for clean transportation and climate tech business solutions."
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SunTrain Visits the Port of Long Beach to Highlight Green Energy Distribution
Photo Courtesy of the Port of Long Beach
Photo Courtesy of the Port of Long Beach
Photo Courtesy of the Port of Long Beach
Photo Courtesy of the Port of Long Beach
LONG BEACH, Calif., November 14, 2023 -- SunTrain, a pioneer in the delivery of renewable energy via containerized batteries on existing freight rail networks, visited the Green Port – the Port of Long Beach – to call attention to an innovative new strategy that could reshape the landscape of energy distribution and contribute significantly to a greener, more sustainable future.
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SunTrain's innovative approach, known as "Trainsmission," capitalizes on the efficiency and reliability of the nation's existing rail network. By utilizing railcars carrying containerized batteries, SunTrain can transport and deliver more than a Gigawatt-hour of green energy per train trip. This innovative approach offers a cost-effective and rapid solution to transmission bottlenecks and the lack of utility-scale energy storage that has plagued the renewable energy sector.
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The Port of Long Beach, a trailblazer in innovative goods movement, safety, environmental stewardship, and sustainability, provides an ideal backdrop for SunTrain's debut. Voted "Best West Coast Seaport," the Port handles trade valued at $200 billion annually and supports millions of jobs across the Nation. The Port's commitment to efficiency, sustainability, and innovation aligns perfectly with SunTrain's mission to revolutionize renewable energy distribution.
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By welcoming today's largest vessels and serving 175 shipping lines with connections to 217 seaports worldwide, the Port of Long Beach is a crucial player in the global supply chain. In 2022, the Port handled more than 9.1 million container units, marking one of its busiest years in history.
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In 2022, California curtailed nearly 30 terawatt-hours of renewable energy due to infrastructure and energy storage limitations, enough to power 4.75 million homes for a year. SunTrain aims to mitigate these issues with its innovative Trainsmission technology. Utilizing existing freight rail networks, SunTrain will deliver stored energy to regions facing grid congestion and lacking deployed green energy. This approach not only addresses the duck curve and utility-scale energy storage shortages, but it further reduces the infrastructure investment necessary for expensive, new transmission lines.
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SunTrain is working toward creating a modern, efficient, and sustainable energy transmission network. With the Port of Long Beach demonstration, SunTrain marks a significant step toward a greener, more sustainable future, addressing the pressing need for additional energy storage systems and efficient renewable energy distribution.
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For more information about SunTrain visit www.suntrain.co.
For more information about the Port of Long Beach, visit www.polb.com.
About SunTrain
SunTrain resolves massive transmission bottlenecks that are throttling renewable energy generation. SunTrain seamlessly stores green energy from remote solar and wind farms within customized battery containers that are transported over existing railroad networks. This links generation sites and congested substation nodes, bypassing the conventional transmission system. According to the DoE’s 2023 Transmission Study, the U.S. requires 115,000 gigawatt-miles of new transmission lines by 2040, double its current capacity. SunTrain solves these colossal problems through a new means of green energy distribution: “trainsmission”. SunTrain serves regions where energy storage is nearly nonexistent and new traditional hard-wired transmission lines face insurmountable obstacles.
About the Port of Long Beach
The Port of Long Beach is a global leader in green port initiatives and top-notch customer service, moving cargo with reliability, speed and efficiency. As the premier U.S. gateway for trans-Pacific trade, the Port handles trade valued at $200 billion annually and supports 2.6 million jobs across the United States, including 575,000 in Southern California and 1 in 5 jobs in Long Beach. In 2022, industry leaders named it “The Best West Coast Seaport in North America” for the fourth consecutive year. The Port had its second-busiest year ever in 2022, with 9.13 million twenty-foot equivalent units handled. During the next 10 years, the Port is planning $2.2 billion in capital improvements aimed at enhancing capacity, competitiveness and sustainability.
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"Standing at the intersection of innovation and sustainability, SunTrain's demo at the Port of Long Beach signals a bold step toward a cleaner energy horizon,” said SunTrain Founder and CTO Christopher Smith. “'Trainsmission' showcases our dedication to overcoming the obstacles hindering renewable energy distribution. Partnering with visionaries like the Port of Long Beach and IBEW Local 11, SunTrain is paving the way for a more efficient, cost-effective, and climate friendly future.”
“As the Green Port, we are always searching for new technologies and systems to improve the environment,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “We are interested in learning more about the potential of the SunTrain project to expand the means of renewable energy distribution.”
"The SunTrain initiative stands at the forefront of IBEW Local 11's strategic advancements in the field of renewable energy,” said Joel Barton, Business Manager of IBEW Local 11. “We take immense pride in helping birthplace this groundbreaking concept, which is set to revolutionize the green energy sector. Our commitment to nurturing and supporting SunTrain's growth is unwavering, as it embarks on a path to address and solve critical challenges in sustainable energy."
“Pacific Harbor Line, Inc. (PHL), which recently transitioned its fleet of Tier-3 plus locomotives in the San Pedro Bayport Complex to renewable diesel, is thrilled having been a part of the last mile placement and participation of Union Pacific Railroads (UPRR) partnership with SunTrain at the Port of Long Beach (POLB). SunTrain brings renewable energy by way of high-capacity batteries charged at solar and wind farms located outside urban areas to the POLB. Through partnership SunTrain and UPRR look forward to utilizing its rail system to employ 100-car unit trains to move the high-capacity batteries, thus transforming the rail network into transmission lines which can provide up to 2 GWh of power per train.” – Otis Cliatt, President of Pacific Harbor Line.
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SunTrain transported its fully charged rail enabled system to the Port of Long Beach on 11/14/2023 and successfully charged a range of electric vehicles on site directly from the railcar mounted container. It demonstrated the feasibility of loading renewable energy into high-capacity batteries, transporting them via rail, and discharging the power at a high-demand destination. This proof of concept test helped further validate the concept that SunTrain could provide the port with substantial renewable energy to power its electric vehicles, heavy equipment and even provide shore power for ships berthing at the docks, all at a lower cost than difficult to obtain traditional power sources.
Media Contact
Jeff Anderson, SunTrain
jeff.anderson@suntrain.co