Ford's Dagenham Plant - the windy city

turbo's with added vroom...

Daily Tech reports that Ford have had to install a third wind turbine to power a new engine production line at it's Dagenham plant. The new turbine means Ford's diesel engine plant is now fully powered by the wind. The two previous turbines produced enough power to provide for 1,794 homes. The new turbine means a combined energy production of 11.4 million kWh. Standing at 150 metres high, the three turbines are not Ford's only green contribution - the example and use of renewable s being used in other Ford plants across Europe. Read more at Daily Tech photo credit: brian snelson

Ford see's glimmer of solar

Solar Knowledge reports that a 500 kilowatt solar system installed on their (Ford's) Michigan Assembly Plant has just started to go live.

When it's fully live, the installation will provide power to the assembly lines and electric vehicle charging stations.

The installation also boasts a 750 kilowatt energy storage facility - the batteries being capable of retaining 2 million watt-hours of energy for future use.

If the trial is successful, then Ford plans to incorporate similar installations at it's other plants.

This particular installation is quite fitting as the plant will be home to the production of an all electric Focus as well as two other hybrids.

A separate solar panel system will be tested, supplying the plants lighting.

photo credit: ellenm1