Ford Motor Company has reaffirmed its commitment to a sustainable and equitable transportation future, announcing significant strides toward sourcing 100% carbon-free electricity for global manufacturing by 2035. In 2023, Ford achieved a milestone of 70.5% carbon-free electricity in its global manufacturing operations.
Key production facilities in South Africa and Thailand are at the forefront of this green initiative, leveraging extensive solar power installations. Notably, the Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria, South Africa, and the Ford Thailand Manufacturing (FTM) plant boast the largest solar canopy carparks in their respective regions.
“Solar canopy carparks are an incredibly exciting opportunity for Ford as they allow us to make use of spaces that would otherwise have limited use,” said Andrea Cavallaro, director of operations, International Market Group, Ford.
At the Silverton Assembly Plant, a 13.5-megawatt solar carport completed in 2022 provides shelter for over 3,500 vehicles and contributes 18% of the electricity needed to produce each Ranger. This installation alone enables the annual manufacture of more than 20,800 Rangers using solar power.
Similarly, FTM recently activated a 7.7-megawatt solar carport, sheltering more than 1,500 vehicles and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by over 5,700 tons annually. This solar facility supplies up to 20% of the energy required for the production of approximately 21,000 Ranger and Ranger Raptor vehicles each year.
Auto Alliance Thailand has also announced an 8-megawatt floating solar energy array near its Rayong facility, set to go online in September. This project, alongside an existing 6-megawatt solar installation, will make AAT Ford’s largest user of solar energy in the region, with a combined capacity of 14 megawatts.
“At Ford, we’re focused on environmental quality; both in terms of what we build and how we build,” Cavallaro emphasized. “Initiatives like solar canopy carparks and floating solar farms are an incredibly vital part of our Road to Better commitment, which helps build a more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable transportation future.”
These solar power initiatives exemplify Ford’s dedication to reducing reliance on fossil fuels and highlight its innovative approach to utilizing otherwise inert spaces for sustainable energy production. Ford continues to push the boundaries in conserving water, reducing waste, and transitioning to carbon-free electricity, underscoring its ambition to help build a better world.
