Ford is embracing a bright future with its latest renewable energy initiative. The company’s Almussafes manufacturing facility in Valencia, Spain, has recently begun operating on solar power – one of the many steps the automaker is taking to achieve carbon neutrality across their European infrastructure by 2035. Ford plans to exclusively produce zero-emission vehicles for all vehicle sales in Europe, and this bold effort exemplifies the company’s commitment to sustainability over the long term.
Ford’s Valencia factory is taking strides toward sustainability this summer with the expansion of its photovoltaic area. This cutting-edge technology converts solar energy into electricity and, once complete, will be able to power 1,400 average homes each year – an increase from the 4,641 megawatt hours produced the year prior. It also means a significant decrease in demand for national grid electricity over the next few months.
Looking to explore opportunities to expand clean energy initiatives, Ford is focusing on utilizing non-productive land for solar panel installations. In its effort to produce 10 megawatts of peak power by 2024, the company has also begun studying potential rooftop projects located at factory buildings.
“Now, more than ever, we all realize the need to use renewable energy sources. As we move to an all-electric future and carbon neutrality across our manufacturing footprint at Ford, investments in innovations like this new solar power plant in Valencia creating new self-supplied renewable energy, which is an important contribution in our ongoing ambition to help build a better world,” said Stuart Southgate, Director of Sustainable, Environmental and Safety Engineering, Ford of Europe.
Ford’s commitment to global sustainability continues, as the company announced that since January 1, 2022, its Almussafes plant has been powered by renewable energy sources. In addition to this latest achievement in Europe, they have also set a goal for all manufacturing worldwide to become carbon-free by 2035 – further illustrating Ford’s dedication towards environmental responsibility and clean energy solutions.