HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — Toyota Alabama’s engine manufacturing facility will soon be relying on the sun to generate over 70% of its power needs thanks to a 168-acre, $49 million solar project announced this week.
At a press briefing, Toyota Alabama, Toyota Tsusho America Inc. (TAI) and Huntsville Utilities outlined a power purchase agreement to support the project.
The 30-megawatt solar-generated system will be located in the North Huntsville Industrial Park, surrounding the Toyota engine plant.
“Toyota is taking a transparent, science-based approach to address climate change,” said Jason Puckett, president of Toyota Alabama. “By relying on the sun to power our operations, we will reduce our carbon footprint and create a model of environmental stewardship in North Alabama.”
The new solar facility is expected to generate 62,000 megawatt hours annually —reducing approximately 22,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions per year.
That’s enough solar energy to power more than 5,600 U.S. homes, according to Toyota.
The automaker said the project is another step towards accomplishing its goal of achieving carbon neutrality in its operations by 2035.
SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
TAI’s Energy Infrastructure Solutions team led the project’s development and will manage the construction, scheduled to begin this spring. As the owner of the solar facility, TAI will be responsible for its long-term operations.
“Finding smart, creative solutions to climate change is an urgent and global focus for our company,” said Naoyuki Hata, TAI president and CEO.
“Using our know-how to bring projects like this to life aligns with our goal of creating positive impacts in local communities, while also helping create pathways to a sustainable future globally.”
The solar facility is scheduled to begin generating solar energy in summer 2024.
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