Toyota Alabama has unveiled a new 168-acre solar farm at its plant in the state. The 30-megawatt solar energy system is the result of a collaboration between Toyota Alabama, Toyota Tsusho America, Inc. (TAI), and Huntsville Utilities.
Toyota Moves Closer to Carbon Neutrality with Alabama Solar Farm
With this new installation, Toyota moves closer to its goal of carbon-neutral operations. The $49 million solar farm was established through a joint power purchase agreement (PPA) between Toyota Alabama, Toyota Tsusho America, Inc. (TAI), and Huntsville Utilities.
“Toyota is committed to clean and sustainable power. We know that the collective future for our community and our team members depends on clean mobility, clean air, clean water and biodiversity. We are thankful for our partners on this project who have created a model of environmental stewardship in North Alabama,” said Jason Puckett, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Alabama.
Toyota Alabama Solar Project to Cut 22,000 Metric Tons of CO2
The solar farm is expected to supply around 70% of Toyota Alabama’s total energy needs, supporting the company’s goal of reaching carbon neutrality at all its North American facilities by 2035. The solar array is set to produce roughly 62,000 megawatt hours of energy annually—cutting approximately 22,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions each year.
“Clean solar energy is vital for powering the City of Huntsville as we continue to see a steady rise in energy demand. Our partnership with Toyota has been instrumental in advancing this initiative, and we are excited about upcoming solar projects that will further enhance our commitment to sustainability and a cleaner future for our community,” said Tommy Battle, Huntsville Mayor.
TAI and Huntsville Utilities Launch Largest Flexibility PPA
The PPA between TAI and Huntsville Utilities stands as the largest flexibility agreement of its kind, enabling the municipal utility to purchase clean energy at a cost-effective rate.
“Innovative approaches to clean energy generation are critical to Huntsville’s future growth. Toyota’s forward-thinking approach to carbon neutrality has paved the way for additional public-private collaborations,” said Wes Kelley, president and CEO of Huntsville Utilities.
Situated in the North Huntsville Industrial Park, this new Alabama solar park surrounds the Toyota plant with 72,000 solar panels spread across 168 acres—an area equivalent to 127 football fields. Spearheaded by TAI’s Energy Infrastructure Solutions team, the project began in June 2023. TAI owns the array and will manage its long-term operations.
“Bringing projects like this to life aligns with TAI’s goal to create positive impacts in local communities, while also helping to create pathways to a sustainable future globally. TAI strives to be a model of responsible corporate environmental stewardship and this partnership illustrates how we can work together to create a better future for us all,” said Chris Simmons, TAI division head for green infrastructure.