Infrastructure Assets Power Clean Energy Growth in the Green Empowerment Zone

Three interstate highways run through the Zone. Interstate 80 connects directly to transcontinental freight routes and Northern California markets. Interstate 580 provides access to the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge and Bay Area distribution points. Interstate 680 links industrial parks to the Benicia and Martinez bridges, facilitating the fast movement of goods and labor.

State Routes 4, 24, 160, and 242 provide critical last-mile connections to inland facilities. This highway network supports oversized loads, heavy truck traffic, and a skilled workforce commuting from across the region.

The Zone offers direct Class I railroad connectivity through Union Pacific and BNSF, supported by Richmond Pacific Railroad and connector projects. On-site rail yards allow efficient transfers between rail, truck, and port operations. This infrastructure positions the Zone for industries moving bulk materials, manufactured components, and large-scale energy equipment.

Buchanan Field Airport in Concord provides business aviation and on-demand cargo within minutes of central Contra Costa. Oakland International Airport, less than 30 miles away, offers global air cargo connections and international passenger service. These assets ensure executives, suppliers, and specialized components move quickly between markets.

The Port of Richmond operates multiple deepwater terminals that handle bulk, breakbulk, liquid, and containerized cargo. The port accommodates heavy lift and oversized energy equipment required by battery plants, electrolyzer manufacturers, and offshore wind developers. The nearby Port of Oakland expands containerized trade capacity, reinforcing global supply chain reliability.

Contra Costa hosts an established network of natural gas and liquid pipelines. These assets create opportunities for hydrogen blending, future conversion, and industrial reuse. Large brownfield and refinery sites adjacent to these pipelines provide viable redevelopment options for hydrogen production, storage, and next-generation clean energy manufacturing.

PG&E and CAISO maintain multiple transmission substations in the Zone, including 230 kV and 115 kV facilities with available interconnection points. Industrial parcels are served by robust distribution infrastructure, enabling both utility-scale projects and behind-the-meter solutions. Immediate access to high-voltage capacity supports energy-intensive operations, including battery storage, electrolyzer systems, and the manufacturing of EV charging equipment.

The Green Empowerment Zone contains large parcels with established heavy-industrial utilities, dock access, and multimodal freight connections. Redevelopment opportunities in refinery and port-adjacent locations, enable companies to scale production, without the lengthy timelines associated with greenfield development.