With much more to consider for the reduction of emissions, greenhouse gas and protection of the environment with hybrid and electric cars, there is now the production line moving toward the contemporary use of #solar power. Additionally, there is more to say for the Ghent location and its existing use of wind power. This makes up approximately 11 percent of its current power usage, stated by plant managers in the first week of October. Also, a heating system that was installed back in 2016 reduced plant carbon emissions by about 40 percent. With all of these numbers it is a positive view that the company as a whole is moving their production procedure more toward renewable and sustainable #energy.
Installation of Solar
Statements have been recorded from leaders of the company that these steps in company protocol are all part of Volvo’s overall effort to minimize the environmental footprint of the Volvo name. Even after the previous wind power and more, the installation of solar panels further expands their constant focus across the Volvo production lines that operations include the work to use renewable sources with as much renewable effort as possible. It is nice to see that a company that exists in an industry that has been known throughout history to hold so little an eco-friendly brand that they are working so hard at reducing this footprint over time.
Various renewables have been a part of Volvo plants since 2008. That is a decade now that involves the development of improved resources, renewable energy and now even solar power to help produce cars with as little emission as possible. And it is wonderful to hear that this is much better than producing cars that produce as little emission as possible, but also becoming a corporation overall that produces as little emission as necessary.
Actual Details of Installation Status are Different than Posted
Additionally, it is important to realize that the panels have not yet been completely installed as is implied by the press release posted in the news. Installation is planned to occur over the next few months. Again, the details are not quite specified as to the number of panels, the amount of energy to be generated and more. Estimation includes the number of 15,000 panels, production of between 4.8 and 5.25 megawatts of solar power depending on the use of 320- or 350-watt panels, the details of which have not completely been specified as of yet.
Another interesting piece of information includes the fact that the Volvo company has invited employees to invest in the installation. While the news presents installation of a heat module, the details aren’t included considering the fact that it occured this January at the engine factory in Skovde, Sweden, to turn that building into Volvo’s first climate-neutral manufacturing plan. This heat system was built from waste incineration rather than fossil fuel burning. Biomass and recycled bio-fuels are also used to help with the work toward carbon neutrality. There is no true answer as to whether this is the case, but the company is definitely hopeful that their efforts across corporate locations are moving in that direction for the future.
Volvo’s Goals of Carbon Neutrality and Electric Production
As of 2017 Volvo stated that all new car models released from next year (which would now be current) would be available as mild-hybrid or battery electric models. Company leaders have stated global manufacturing goals of completely carbon neutral operations, as well as 50% of global car sales on the electric market, by 2025.
Other goals that are set by Volvo include the Omranke program that plans for the inclusion of at least 25% of plastic in its new cars to be recycled materials by 2025. One example of this already in action includes the introduction of use of recycled plastic from PET bottles used for manufacturing in the XC40 compact SUV.
Basically, the overall carbon footprint of the company is intended to be at or close to zero by the year 2025. This is incredible to consider, especially given the fact that this is only seven years away, and just a little over one century since the company’s origination. These are amazing steps taken by a company that builds the largest trucks on the road, with a massive global market and likely an incredible impression once these changes are complete.
References:
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/10/05/volvo-installs-solar-power-at-belgian-factory.html
https://www.solarquotes.com.au/blog/volvo-solar-power-mb0775/
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