Toyota car plant goes solar

Car manufacturer Toyota are building a solar array that will produce 4.6 million kWh of energy, enough to build 7,000 cars each year. The 17,000-strong photovoltaic array is set to […]

Car manufacturer Toyota are building a solar array that will produce 4.6 million kWh of energy, enough to build 7,000 cars each year.

The 17,000-strong photovoltaic array is set to cost £10 million and Toyota hope it will be supplying their plant with energy by July.

Jon Kimber, Managing Director of British Gas New Energy, said: “With energy costs increasing and a tough financial climate, all businesses are looking at ways to cut their bills as well as reduce their carbon emissions. Solar power has the potential to make this happen and really revolutionise the way Britain’s homes and businesses generate energy.”

A joint project between Toyota and British Gas, 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 solar panels will cover 90,000m2, enough to cover nearly four and half football pitches.

Toyota say the Burnaston plant, which produces Auris hybrid, Auris and Avensis cars, could save 2,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year.

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