News


Ford’s Silverton plant completes first phase of solar installation

30 May 2022 News


Ford’s Silverton assembly plant in Pretoria, which produces the Ranger pickup for domestic sales and export to global markets, has completed the first phase of its transition to solar energy and is now sourcing 35% of its electricity needs completely emission-free. The project is the result of a power purchase agreement with SolarAfrica and sees the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) carports for 3610 vehicles at its Silverton plant.

The large-scale solar array uses a total of 30 226 solar panels to generate 13,5 MW of power, making it one of the largest solar carports in the world and a ground-breaking renewable energy project for the domestic automotive industry. The project also supports Ford’s global target of using 100% carbon-free electricity across all its manufacturing operations by 2035, and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

“We are delighted to officially flip the switch and begin receiving 35 percent of our electricity from the solar carports with the completion of the first phase of our Project Blue Oval renewable energy programme,” says Ockert Berry, vice president of operations, Ford South Africa. “This project proudly puts the Silverton assembly plant on the map as part of Ford’s commitment to sustainability as we migrate our energy supply from fossil fuels to environmentally-friendly, renewable resources.”

Despite delays due to the Covid-19 lockdowns and the subsequent global shortage of certain components, the installation took 599 days to complete and supported 121 jobs amongst contractors involved in the construction and installation. Approximately 59 tons of steel and 315 tons of aluminium were used for the locally manufactured carports. More than 5000 metres of medium- and low-voltage cabling was used to connect the solar PV panels to 120 three-phase 100 kW inverters and 8 transformers, before being fed into the manufacturing plant.

The system is capable of producing 13,5 MW of power, which is equivalent to powering 12 171 average households for an entire year. More significantly from an environmental perspective, however, is that the PV array will eliminate the equivalent of 20 072 tons of CO2 generated per annum, which is a major step towards achieving Ford’s global carbon-free emissions target by 2035.

“With the solar project now complete and fully operational, we are evaluating the next steps for Project Blue Oval as we strive to ultimately have the Silverton plant completely energy self-sufficient and 100% carbon neutral,” Berry adds.




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

From the editor's desk: AI – a double-edged sword
Technews Publishing News
As with any powerful tool, AI presents challenges, some of which, if not carefully managed, threaten to undo the potential that it can offer.

Read more...
Global semiconductor sales increase
News
The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) has announced global semiconductor sales were $57,0 billion during the month of April 2025, an increase of 2,5% compared to the March 2025.

Read more...
Avnet Abacus announced new president
Avnet Abacus News
Avnet Abacus has announced that Mario Merino will succeed Rudy Van Parijs as president of Avnet Abacus, effective 1 July 2025.

Read more...
Avnet Abacus wins multiple prestigious awards
Avnet Abacus News
The awards from Molex recognise outstanding performance, collaboration, and significant growth in the challenging market conditions of 2024.

Read more...
Components distribution slowdown Q1 2025
News
European components distribution (DMASS) experienced a continued slowdown in the first quarter 2025.

Read more...
Semiconductor sales increase 17% YoY
News
The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) recently announced global semiconductor sales were $54,9 billion during the month of February 2025, an increase of 17,1% compared to the February 2024 total.

Read more...
Silicon Labs – Q1 results
News
Silicon Labs, a leading innovator in low-power wireless, recently reported financial results for the first quarter, which ended April 5, 2025.

Read more...
Strengthening industry through strategic partnerships at KITE 2025
Specialised Exhibitions News
The KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition is not just an exhibition, it is a powerhouse of industry collaboration where visitors and exhibitors gain access to authoritative insights, technical expertise, and high-impact networking opportunities.

Read more...
Solar Youth Project calls on industry to step up
News
With the second cohort completed training and the first cohort returning for their final module, host companies are urgently needed to turn the training into a long-term opportunity.

Read more...
Conlog powers SA’s future with national smart meter rollout
News
Conlog recently secured the RT29-2024 contract from National Treasury, which is seen to be a major milestone towards modernising SA’s utility infrastructure.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved