Opportunities and interests in electrification may provide a means to better stewardship. Electrification helps transition communities to more diverse energy options and can reduce dependence upon carbon-intensive petroleum fuels such as diesel. Centralized (or in some cases distributed) electric power generation capacity can take advantages of economies of scale in both fuel and technology options for cleaner, lower-GHG, and affordable power for industry and communities. These stewardship goals are increasingly part of the mission and master planning for the nation’s ports.

Electrification of our nation’s ports may also lead to improved economic performance. New and innovative investment can help modernize ports, transition ports to greater throughput efficiency, and advance integrated supply chains. Electrification of port operations might also provide community wide economic benefits in terms of expenditures that directly and indirectly increase regional economic activity. Greater economic activity within region is associated with increased employment in the region, even if these new jobs may relate to electricity generation, distribution, and related jobs beyond the gates of the port. Synergy between improving port operations and regional macroeconomic activity deserve more analysis.