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• Ford SA launches the Project Blue Oval renewable energy program with a 13.5MW solar installation, valued at R135 million.
• The solar installation comprises more than 31,000 solar panels and covers 4,200 parking spaces.
• It is part of Ford’s vision to have the Silverton Assembly Plant completely green and energy self-sufficient by 2024.
• For more motorsports stories, visit www.Wheels24.co.za
Ford South Africa began work on a solar power project for its Silverton assembly plant in Pretoria. The project aims for the plant to be completely “green” and energy self-sufficient by 2024. Once completed, Ford SA will be one of the first global Blue Oval plants in the world to do so.
Andrea Cavallaro, Chief Operating Officer of Ford International Markets Group, says: “Ford Motor Company has launched clear targets to address climate change, which force us to change our behavior in profound and lasting ways. As stated in our 2020 Sustainability Report , Ford Global is committed to doing its part to reduce CO2 emissions in accordance with the Paris Climate Agreement, and we are working to achieve stricter greenhouse gas standards to reduce our impact on the environment. “
Ford is also addressing dependence on water resources in several global markets, including South Africa; a country with a shortage of water.
Ford SA to become self-sustaining by 2024 (QuickPic)
Energy and environmental challenges
The new project, says Ford SA, will create 100 jobs locally, starting with SolarAfrica’s manufacturing of the solar garages. During the next phases, which are currently being investigated, the introduction of biomass as a source of renewable energy and the outsourced agriculture of fermentable biomass plants in rural areas that would support this project, will be essential to promote this vision: job creation . for another 2400 people.
Ockert Berry, vice president of operations for Ford SA, adds: “This is a bold and pioneering step that will transform our business, helping us make a significant contribution to reducing our impact on the environment. It will also make our Silverton assembly plant more efficient and more profitable. “
The company has launched the ‘Blue Oval Project’ through a partnership with SolarAfrica to provide a 13.5 MW solar installation for the facility, valued at R135 million, which will deliver approximately 30% of the annual energy requirements from the Silverton plant. This involves the installation of specially developed and locally manufactured solar photovoltaic (PV) garages throughout the facility, using more than 31,000 solar panels. Covering parking areas for around 4,200 vehicles, it will be one of the largest solar garages in the world.
Compiled by: Charlen Raymond
