News Release: Port of Corpus Christi Continues to Champion Wind Energy at Annual AWEA Conference
May 08, 2018
Corpus Christi, TX, USA – A long-time advocate of wind energy, the Port of Corpus Christi is attending the annual American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) conference in Chicago this week. Running from Monday, May 7 through Thursday, May 10, the event brings together industry leaders who are driving the innovation and technology necessary to the continued growth of U.S. wind power.
As America’s energy port, the Port of Corpus Christi is proud to be the nation’s largest port handling wind energy components on the Gulf Coast. By the end of 2017, it reached a new wind turbine cargo milestone when it handled more than 3,000 large wind turbine components, including wind turbine blades and tower sections. That number is up from 2,603 and 2,875 in 2015 and 2016, respectively.
“The future of wind energy is important to the Port of Corpus Christi, to the state of Texas, and to the United States,” said Port of Corpus Christi CEO Sean Strawbridge. “The increased volumes of Wind Turbine cargo handled on our facilities is proof that not only is the Port well-equipped to facilitate the increasing investments in wind energy infrastructure, but that we are committed to championing the growth and dominance of all segments of American energy.”
Championing wind energy is but one element of the Port of Corpus Christi’s commitment to sustainability, environmental health, and efficiency. Since August 2017, it has purchased 100 percent renewable electricity produced by wind power and other renewable energy projects based locally in Texas.
The new 25-acre Rincon West Yard, close to general cargo docks, developed for storage of Heavy Haul Cargo, has direct assess to multiple highways, potential on-site unit train railroad tracks with access to three Class-I North American railroads and close proximity to barge dock is just one example of the significant investments Port Corpus Christi is making to support the US energy industry.
Texas added over 2,300 MW of Wind Power capacity in 2017 and continues to lead the nation as the number one wind energy state with over 22,600 MW of installed wind power capacity. Texas would be ranked sixth in the world if it were a country. In 2017, wind power surpassed coal-fired power generating capacity in the state.
About Port Corpus Christi
As the leading U.S. Crude Oil export port and a major economic engine of Texas and the nation, Port Corpus Christi is the 4th largest port in the United States in total tonnage. Strategically located on the western Gulf of Mexico with a 36 mile, 47 foot (MLLW) deep channel, Port Corpus Christi is a major gateway to international and domestic maritime commerce. The Port has excellent railroad and highway network connectivity via three North American Class-1 railroads and two major interstate highways. With an outstanding staff overseen by its seven member commission, Port Corpus Christi is “Moving America’s Energy.” http://www.portcorpuschristi.com/
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