The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Port Newark Container Terminal (PNCT), and the city of Newark have announced the completion of a 7.2 megawatt (MW) solar installation at PNCT.

This new system now generates 50 per cent of the terminal’s annual energy needs, significantly reducing emissions and improving air quality.

In addition to powering terminal operations, the installation can feed surplus energy into the regional utility grid, supplying clean energy to Newark and surrounding areas.

PNCT is among the world’s few container terminals to implement in-terminal renewable energy production of this scale. The project is a key part of PNCT’s broader strategy to develop an energy microgrid operating at net-zero emissions and aligns with the Port Authority’s commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole stated: “This project is a win for Newark residents, a win for the environment, and a win for our seaport.

“By working hand-in-hand with PNCT and the city of Newark, our seaport is now home to a large solar energy project capable of generating significant energy for one of its major container terminals while feeding excess power into the local grid. It’s an extraordinary model of how we can work together for the betterment not just of our own facilities, but for the communities we serve as well.”

The solar system generates energy from 7.8 acres of elevated solar panel canopies that occupy just 1,500 square feet of ground space. It produces 3.8 MW from five canopy-mounted arrays above truck lanes and another 3.4 MW from canopies over parking areas and rooftops.

This dual-use design enables robust solar generation without sacrificing operational land.

The project was completed without disrupting terminal operations and received the Solar Builder Project of the Year Editor’s Choice award for its innovative approach.

Since the first phase became operational in 2023, the system has offset the equivalent of 5,801 metric tonnes of CO2, comparable to planting more than 150,000 trees.

PNCT’s sustainability efforts also include LED lighting, hybrid straddle carriers, energy-efficient electric cranes, and propane-powered terminal tractors.

These initiatives have contributed to a 98 per cent reduction in sulphur dioxide (SO2) and over 70 per cent reductions in nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter since 2006, even as cargo volumes have risen by nearly 60 per cent.

In April of this year, the Port of New York and New Jersey recorded strong activity in April 2025, handling 751,194 TEUs over the month. This represented a 24 per cent increase from April 2019 for the port and a 6 per cent jump from April 2024.