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Power

SFPUC Set to Power Nation’s First High-Speed Zero-Emission Ferry Network

  • Donald Pollitt

In a groundbreaking step toward a sustainable future, San Francisco is once again leading the charge on clean energy. Mayor London N. Breed, alongside Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, General Manager Dennis Herrera and other City leaders, recently announced a transformative $55 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the Port of San Francisco and San Francisco Bay Ferry to support the nation’s first-ever zero-emission high-speed ferry network. This historic initiative will connect vital transit hubs throughout the Bay Area and bring San Francisco closer to achieving net-zero emissions.

At the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), clean power has always been at the heart of our mission. For over a century, the SFPUC has been generating greenhouse gas-free power for San Francisco through Hetch Hetchy Power. The SFPUC continues to play an active role in helping the City electrify energy sources using the clean, safe, reliable power provided from Hetch Hetchy Power and CleanPowerSF.  

The EPA grant will support essential upgrades, including new electrification infrastructure at the Downtown San Francisco Ferry Terminal, the construction of a new ferry terminal in Mission Bay, and the building of a high-speed, electric-powered vessel to transport Bay Area residents and visitors. These investments will help make it possible for commuters to travel from Oakland to San Francisco's job centers with zero greenhouse gas emissions—powered by clean energy from Hetch Hetchy Power.  

By 2027, the SFPUC will also contribute $13.6 million in matching funds to help complete necessary infrastructure upgrades, as part of a broader $31 million investment in public power facilities. These facilities will connect key locations along the San Francisco waterfront and support other vessels in the years to come.

"At the SFPUC, clean power is fundamental to what we do,” said General Manager Dennis Herrera. “The SFPUC is proud to contribute $13.6 million in matching funds to complete the upgrades needed to meet this project’s charging needs. We’re looking forward to clean Hetch Hetchy Power and our other renewable energy sources powering these zero-emission ferries and helping all of San Francisco reach its clean energy goals, including net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.”

As the ferry network expands, so will job opportunities. The EPA grant also includes funding to support a maritime workforce development program operated by the Working Waterfront Coalition that will train more than 200 apprentices.  As the nation’s first zero-emission ferry network becomes a reality, the SFPUC is thrilled to play a role in helping San Francisco reach its climate goals, including net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. Here’s to a cleaner, greener, and more connected Bay Area — setting the standard for the future.