Toyota achieves UK car industry first with large scale solar panel array
By Toyota on 2011-06-20 15:42
Key points:
• Solar array at Toyota’s Derbyshire plant to produce 4,600,000 kWh per year
• Joint project between Toyota Manufacturing UK and British Gas
• Saving up to 2,000 tonnes of CO2 per year (equivalent to the weight of 260 London double-decker buses)
• Project further strengthens Toyota Manufacturing UK’s established environmental leadership
Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK’s vehicle plant in Derbyshire, where Auris Hybrid, Auris and Avensis cars are built for the UK and export markets, is set to be the first British car manufacturer to install a large scale solar panel array after the scheme gained approval from its local planning authority.
The solar array is located on 90,000m2 of industrial land within the plant and consists of around 17,000 panels – enough to cover almost four and a half football pitches. Generating electricity for use on site, the project will help reduce the plant’s carbon footprint, support energy security and cut its power bills.
The scheme will save up to 2,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year and the saving in energy will be equivalent to 4,600,000 kWh. When fully operational it will be capable of supplying enough energy to build approximately 7,000 cars a year.
The solar panels will cost more than R120 million and will be installed and paid for by British Gas. Installation work has started and the array is expected to begin supplying power to the plant in July.
The development is a key part of Toyota’s ‘Sustainable Plant’ vision in which manufacturing operations are designed to work in harmony with their local community and surrounding environment. The UK is one of just five Toyota plants worldwide to be designated a Sustainable Plant with first-rate environmental credentials.
The plant is already making a significant contribution to the UK’s low carbon economy with production of Auris hybrid – the first European built full hybrid car.
Toyota has a recognised history of environmental leadership in Britain and also world wide. It was the first UK car manufacturer to be awarded the international ISO 14001 standard for environmental management in 1996, and the first to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill to zero in 2002. In 2008 it went further achieving zero waste to incineration.
love it
Toyota is one of the top auto makers in the world which make cars for both high and low budget range customers.Toyota Etios Liva launched is one such edition which will surely rock the market.
Toyota Place
that is true. i am glad that toyota doing its best to compete with those UK and US car maker. they create nice cars and create their auto repair manuals.
I couldn't expect less from Toyota, the company has always been one step ahead when it comes to green technologies and innovation. My very first car was a Toyota, I was lucky enough to get it through an automobile donation program. I loved that car. Now, after all these years I am saving for a new Toyota.
Post new comment