Sustainable Alcatraz

There are no electrical or water lines that connect Alcatraz to the mainland. Water and diesel fuel for electric generators must be ferried to the island. Garbage and sewage must be carried back to the mainland. These inefficiencies all add to the island's carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

The National Park Service has installed a photovoltaic and battery power system on Alcatraz to reduce these carbon emissions. This system eliminates about 700,000 lbs (318,000 kg) of CO2 emissions by per year-equivalent to the electricity-related CO2 emissions of about 200 Bay Area homes.

How the Photovoltaic System Works

When sunny, 959 photovoltaic (PV) panels located on the cell house roof power the island. Any surplus electricity is used to charge a bank of batteries, storing it for later use. A controller maximizes renewable energy use by directing PV power to inverters that convert the DC to AC power to meet the island's electricity demands. If photovoltaic power can not meet the island's needs (about 70-80 kilowatts), the batteries will supply the remaining demand. If PV and battery power is insufficient, the controller will start diesel generators to power the island. Any excess power from the generators is used to recharge the battery bank.

Water Is in Short Supply on the Island

Water is used for drinking, irrigation and in the sewage system. To reduce water transport to the island, the gardens are irrigated with captured rainwater, and the toilets are flushed with saltwater. Desalinization and on-site sewage treatment are under study.

 

Alcatraz Cruise's hybrid ferry with photovoltaics and wind turbines on top.

What Comes on the Island Must Go Off

Garbage and sewage must be carried back to the mainland. The park and our partner Alcatraz Cruises are committed to diverting waste from landfills. Recyclables and compostables are separated out of the trash generated here after its return to the mainland.

Hybrid Ferries

Alcatraz Cruises is pioneering the use of hybrid ferries. They have built ferries that use a combination of solar, wind and diesel power to transport visitors to and from Alcatraz and Angel Islands.