Toyota Manufacturing unveils solar power farm

HUNTSVILLE, Ala (WHNT) — Toyota Alabama unveiled a new addition to its Alabama plant on Monday, a 168-acre solar power farm.

The company said the 30-megawatt solar energy system was the result of a partnership between Toyota Alabama, Toyota Tsusho America, Inc (TAI) and Huntsville Utilities. Toyota said the project cost $49 million and will provide 70 percent of Toyota Alabama's energy usage.

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The project is part of the automaker's goal of achieving carbon Neutrality at all of its North American facilities by 2035.

"Toyota is committed to clean and sustainable power. We know that the collective future for our community and our team members depends on clean mobility, clean air, clean water, and biodiversity," said Jason Puckett, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Alabama. "We are thankful for our partners on this project who have created a model of environmental stewardship in North Alabama."

The solar array will generate nearly 62,000 megawatt hours of energy each year, which Toyota said will reduce an estimated 22,000 metric tons of CO emissions each year.

The array is located in the North Huntsville Industrial Park and surrounds Toyota Alabama with 73,000 individual solar panels. TAI said it owns the array and is responsible for its long-term upkeep.

Both Huntsville Utilities President and CEO Wes Kelley and Mayor Tommy Battle said the new array is an important step in the energy growth of the city and its move towards carbon neutrality.

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"Clean solar energy is vital for powering the City of Huntsville as we continue to see a steady rise in energy demand," Battle said. "Our partnership with Toyota has been instrumental in advancing this initiative, and we are excited about upcoming solar projects that will further enhance our commitment to sustainability and a cleaner future for our community."

The joint power purchase agreement that the facility was built under will also allow Huntsville Utilities to purchase clean energy, in what Toyota says is the largest agreement of its kind.