The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) is a bi-state agency that operates transportation facilities and infrastructure in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area. It was established in 1921 to manage the region's ports, airports, bridges, and tunnels, and has since expanded its scope to include real estate development, environmental initiatives, and economic development programs.

One of the key priorities for PANYNJ in recent years has been decarbonisation, or reducing its carbon footprint and transitioning to a low-carbon economy. This is in line with the agency's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, as well as its recognition of the risks posed by climate change to its infrastructure and operations.

To achieve its decarbonisation goals, PANYNJ has implemented a number of initiatives related to corporate energy and renewable energy. These include:

Corporate Energy

PANYNJ has undertaken a comprehensive review of its energy use and has identified opportunities to reduce consumption and improve efficiency. This includes upgrading lighting systems, HVAC systems, and other equipment to more energy-efficient models, as well as implementing energy management systems to monitor and control energy use in its facilities.

In addition, PANYNJ has implemented a corporate power purchase agreement (PPA) for renewable energy. This involves purchasing electricity directly from a renewable energy project, such as a wind farm or solar array, and using it to power its facilities. By doing so, PANYNJ is able to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and support the growth of renewable energy in the region.

Corporate PPA

In 2019, PANYNJ signed a 20-year PPA with a wind farm in upstate New York. The agreement will provide PANYNJ with 100% renewable energy for its facilities in New York and New Jersey, and is expected to reduce the agency's greenhouse gas emissions by over 100,000 metric tons per year. This is equivalent to taking more than 21,000 cars off the road each year.

The PPA is part of PANYNJ's broader commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and transitioning to a low-carbon economy. It also supports the growth of renewable energy in the region, which is a key priority for both New York and New Jersey.

Renewable Energy

PANYNJ has also invested in renewable energy projects on its own properties, including solar installations at Newark Liberty International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport. These projects generate clean energy on-site, reducing the agency's reliance on grid electricity and supporting the growth of renewable energy in the region.

In addition, PANYNJ has partnered with other organizations to support the development of renewable energy projects in the region. For example, it has worked with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to develop a solar project at the Bayonne Bridge, which will generate clean energy for the grid and support the growth of renewable energy in the region.

Overall, PANYNJ's efforts to decarbonize its operations and transition to a low-carbon economy demonstrate its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. By investing in renewable energy and implementing energy efficiency measures, PANYNJ is reducing its carbon footprint and supporting the growth of clean energy in the region. This is not only good for the environment, but also for the economy, as it creates jobs and supports local businesses.