Toyota Boshoku America, Onyx Renewable energy sources And other project partners gathered 28 May for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of a 5.7-MW solar project that will fill 85% of the electricity needs in the Illinois factory of TBA with clean energy.
TBA chose to work with Sol -systems, That the project originated and developed, to install a solar farm that is being maximized by locating the system on land next to Toyota Boshoku Illinois (Tbil) the production facility of Lawrenceville. Onyx Renewables then took over the project and offered immediate energy savings to TBA and Tbil under a Power Purchase Agreement without any capital investments in advance.
“This project is a proof of what is possible when manufacturers, developers of clean energy and local communities work together on shared goals,” said Anna Aurjes, Associate VP of Impact and Business Development at Sol Systems. “From day 1, Toyota Boshoku brought vision and dedication to the table, and we are proud to have developed a project that will yield economic and environmental benefits in the long term of long-term savings to the development of workforce and pollinative land use.”
The newly completed solar array, which extends over about 17 hectares adjacent to the production facility of Tbil, is expected to generate more than 9.5 million kWh of electricity in the first year. The project marks the largest solar installation of TBA to date and is an important milestone in the continuous efforts of the company for CO2 neutrality.
“We see it as our responsibility to reduce our impact on the environment. With the installation of a large-scale solar panel system in our American facility, we are taking a clear step in the direction of more sustainable production,” said Kenji Sugito, Tbil president. “We continue to work for environmentally conscious practices that support a better future.”
Onyx renewable energy sources completed the final development and construction of the project. Nelnet Renewable energyA full-service company that specializes in commercial and small-scale utility-Zonne-Zonne energy, served as the engineering, purchasing and construction partner (EPC). Onyx Renewables will continue to collaborate with TBA as the owner and operator of the project, so that it continues to deliver high -quality, affordable clean energy to Tbil.
“This is the kind of development of joint energy that stimulates real progress and public support,” said Patty Rollin, Chief Commercial Officer at Onyx Renewables. “Together with our partners, we are pleased to deliver a project that reduces emissions, lowers energy costs and determines a high standard for the development of workforce.”
The Onyx Renewables team worked closely with Nelnet to prioritize the development of personnel and the environment by allocating at least 15% of project work to qualified students and paying prevailing wages. In addition, SOL systems are dedicated to planting a pollinative-friendly habitat around the system. The plants, which has selected Onyx in consultation with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, will be sown on site, improve local biodiversity and reflect their own vision on sustainability. The project also received extra federal support as an ‘energy community’, designated for the unemployment of the area and the employment of fossil fuels compared to the national average.
“From the start it was clear that Onyx and Toyota Boshoku America wanted to go their best to set a new standard for solar development that included local jobs and job training,” said Alyssa Martin, president of Nelnet Renewable Energy. “The project represents a replicable model for how other manufacturers can meet their energy needs and at the same time minimize the impact of the environment.”
News item from Onyx Renewable energy sources
