TMMK unveils 30-acre solar field project

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) unveiled a 30-acre solar panel field Friday, Oct. 10.

The solar field system, located at 881 Lexus Way, will produce about 15 million kilowatt hours of energy each year, Toyota Environmental Engineering Manager Ebonye Allen said. This output is enough to power approximately 1,400 homes in the U.S.

“It’s a visible, measurable step toward reducing our reliance on non-renewable energy and lowering our carbon footprint right here in Georgetown,” Allen said.

In total, the solar field will make up four percent of TMMK’s energy consumption, she said.

“(TMMK) is in an enormous facility that requires a significant amount of electricity for us to be able to produce vehicles,” Allen said. “Four percent is a pretty big impact for us to produce the amount of electricity that we would (otherwise) get from non-renewable sources.”

TMMK’s solar field is part of Toyota’s goal for net-zero carbon emissions at manufacturing plants by 2035 TMMK Vice President of Manufacturing Chad Miller said. 

“We’ve always taken our responsibility seriously; not just to build world-class vehicles, but to do so in a way that respects people and protects the world around us,” Miller said. “This project will help us lower our carbon footprint, reduce our reliance on non-renewable energy, and serve as a model for other companies across the region.”

A four percent reduction in non-renewable energy consumption will be an impactful change, Scott County Judge Executive Joe Pat Covington said. 

“Being able to offset four percent of the plant on an annual basis, it adds up, and it makes a big difference over time,” Covington said. “(TMMK is) a world class corporate partner, and their involvement in our community makes a big difference.”

… I’m not aware of any other (solar field project) plans that are in play right now,” he said. “Toyota sets a great example. Who knows? But that’s part of those businesses’ plans to make those types of things.”

Toyota’s sustainability efforts are accomplished, in part, by company partners through Toyota Environmental Resources for Responsible Action, or TERRA, said TMMK Manufacturing General Manager David Vance. 

“(TERRA) brings together people from different departments, backgrounds, and roles, who are all united by a shared goal to make a positive impact on the environment,” Vance said. 

TMMK has over 350 TERRA members in Georgetown, he said.