Toyota announces a $49 million solar project for its Alabama engine plant.

The sun will eventually provide more than 70% of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Alabama’s power. Huntsville Utilities, Toyota Alabama, and Toyota Tsusho America, Inc. (TAI) announced a power purchase agreement (PPA) today to fund a $49 million solar project on 168 acres.

The 30-megawatt solar-powered system will be installed at the North Huntsville Industrial Park, which is adjacent to the Toyota engine facility. It is estimated to generate 62,000 megawatt hours per year, resulting in a reduction of roughly 22,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions. That is enough solar energy to power more than 5,600 houses in the United States. This effort is another another step towards the automaker’s goal of becoming carbon neutral in its operations by 2035.

“Toyota is taking a transparent, science-based approach to addressing climate change,” stated Toyota Alabama President Jason Puckett. “By relying on the sun to power our operations, we will reduce our carbon footprint and create a model of environmental stewardship in North Alabama.”

TAI’s Energy Infrastructure Solutions team developed the project and will oversee construction, which is set to begin this spring. They will be in charge of the solar facility’s long-term operations as the owner.