Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has partnered with EDP to install a 7 MWp solar project at its Luxembourg facilities. Enerdeal (now part of the EDP group) will implement a 5 MWp rooftop solar array and a 2 MWp carport system at Goodyear's research and development and industrial complex.
Generating 6,500 MWh of Electricity Annually
In a significant step towards sustainable energy, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has announced a partnership with EDP (Energias de Portugal) to install a 7 MWp solar project at its facilities in Luxembourg. The initiative which will be executed by Enerdeal involves the implementation of two distinct solar installations at Goodyear's research and development and industrial complex. Enerdeal is a renewable energy solutions provider that joined the EDP group in 2023.
7 MWp solar project at its facilities in Luxembourg (Image: Collected)
The project includes a 5 MWp rooftop solar array and a 2 MWp carport system. These installations will be spread across Goodyear’s various facilities in Colmar-Berg, Bissen, and Dudelange, Luxembourg. Expected to generate an estimated 6,500 MWh of electricity annually, the energy will be consumed on-site; significantly reducing Goodyear's carbon footprint. The initiative is projected to save approximately 3,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year.
The solar project is part of a 20-year agreement between Goodyear and EDP, following the "As-a-Service" model. Under this model, EDP will cover 100% of the investment costs and the financial benefits of the installation will be shared between the two companies. This innovative financing approach allows Goodyear to deploy a substantial renewable energy solution swiftly and efficiently.
Renewable Energy Goal 2030
Goodyear’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its ambitious energy goals. In 2021, the company set a global target to transition its manufacturing operations to 100% renewable energy by 2040. Likewise, it has an interim goal of achieving 100% renewable electricity by 2030. Goodyear has already made strides towards this goal by procuring 100% renewable energy through credits for its plants across Europe and Turkey.
Currently, the company boasts on-site solar installations at ten facilities worldwide, totaling a capacity of 30 MW. The new installations in Luxembourg will be the fifth in the EMEA region and the eleventh globally.
Romain Hansen, Vice President EMEA Product Development at Goodyear expressed enthusiasm for the new projects: "These new projects mark an additional step forward in Goodyear's transition to renewable energy in our facilities, and I'm proud to see the expansion of solar panel installations among our facilities in Luxembourg. In addition to our 2030 and 2040 goals, Goodyear has sustainability ambitions focused on product development and important sustainability projects related to product development, testing, and energy efficiency."
Strategic Implementation of Solar Arrays
The installation of the solar arrays has been meticulously planned to ensure energy optimization and integration into Goodyear’s existing electrical system. The solar projects are expected to be operational by early 2025, aligning with Goodyear’s established sustainability goals and reinforcing its commitment to reducing its environmental impact.
Johann Saxenhammer, Energies and Facilities Manager at Tire Plant Luxembourg emphasized the importance of this careful planning: "Energy optimisation was at the heart of discussions throughout the preparation of this project. That's why the integration into our existing electrical system was carefully planned to ensure a safe and efficient connection, as well as the specific location of the panels on the roof to optimise energy efficiency and maintenance."
Francois Neu, Enerdeal's Country Manager highlighted the significance of the partnership: "The solar as-a-service financing model allows our clients to rapidly and effortlessly deploy a massive renewable energy solution, fully in line with climate urgency and the growing strategic concern of most leading industries for corporate social responsibility. We are proud of this project with Goodyear, paving the way to a more sustainable future."
This collaboration with EDP and the implementation of the solar projects mark a significant milestone in Goodyear's journey towards sustainability and renewable energy. By leveraging EDP's expertise and innovative financing model, Goodyear is well on its way to achieving its ambitious environmental goals; contributing to a more sustainable future for the industry and the planet.