SEP 15

We've written before about the need for using existing manufacturing plants for renewable energy projects instead of trying to build all new factories.  As we transition into cleaner technologies and away from older, dirtier ones, that approach saves money, time and resources. In what is hopefully an example of things to come, a Ford plant that is no longer in use will be converted into a renewable energy manufacturing facility.  Where gasoline-engined, carbon-emitting vehicles were once assembled, equipment for solar and wind projects will now be made.

The 320-acre plant in Wixom, Mich. is getting its clean energy makeover through a partnership between Ford Motors and Michigan Govenor Jennifer Granholm, and greentech companies Xtreme Power, Clairvoyant Energy and Oerlikon Solar.  Some plans for the energy park include a thin-film solar factory that will have a 90 MW production line and a 1 million-square-foot energy storage and power management system factory.  The solar plant should be up and running by 2011.

Xtreme Power and Clairovoyant Energy are purchasing the plant from Ford and will use half of it for their factories and lease the rest to other renewable energy companies.  The conversion project will cost about $725 milion and is expected to create over 4,000 jobs.

via Earth2Tech

Comments (8)

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The continuing decline of the US
written by Keiji, September 16, 2009

It would be a more fitting match with America's general decline for the Ford plant to be completely demolished and for the 320 acres to be replanted with native forest species.

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Austin Solar Water Heater
written by Austin Solar Water Heater, September 16, 2009

I think it's a good idea to used the former Ford plant as new home of renewable energy. With this idea, there a lot of money that can be saved and be used for other projects

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written by betty, September 16, 2009

Google CEO Schmidt says punching down into the earth to capture natural and clean geothermal energy could help move the United States away from it's dependence on petroleum.Betty http://www.geothermalquestions.net

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air pollution control division at shriramenviro.com
written by swati rattan, September 16, 2009

we are all today talking about enviornment issues very deeply and strategically in such a way that we keep balance with between our enviornment as well as economic growth. The basic strength of any nation is its growing industries but the air , water ,and gas pollution problems are a big concern towards the enviornment but now the industries owners have a big chance to contribute towards the healthy enviornment by visiting http://www.shriramenviro.com
and setting up their powerful product at your industries i.e., air pollution control division , sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen chloride, Dioxins, Mercury, odors, VOC's, sub micron particles, fumes, and NOx from industrial and utility flue gases. All of SHRIRAM ENVIROTECH equipment is guaranteed to make its customer's facilities comply with the latest EPA and other stringent state and local emission standards.So let's make nation more eco freindly.

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written by Samantha, September 22, 2009

That's in the town next to mine, and I think it's a great idea. Grandholm (gov of mich)keeps trying to get more green energy in the state, and i think it might be working.

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Ford Motor Plant in Richmond California is recycled.
written by Ormond Otvos, September 23, 2009

I thought you were talking about the Craneway, a giant (half a million square foot) facility recently recycled in Richmond California, into a production line for recycled glass products like countertops "Vetrazzo" and also a huge indoor conference/concert.

email tom.butt AT intres.com for more information. He a city councilman and green architect of some note.

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What is that in the foreground?
written by wandering, September 25, 2009

Isn't it a fountain? Just how is that green? It could be, of course a decorative water cooler, but I bet it is simply a consumer of power from the grid.

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Are you kidding me?
written by jenny, May 19, 2010

"written by Keiji, September 16, 2009

It would be a more fitting match with America's general decline for the Ford plant to be completely demolished and for the 320 acres to be replanted with native forest species."

Because the concept of embodied energy escapes you? You would rather have that huge plant demolished and rotting away in a landfill, causing all forms of offgasing then utilize the building? I dont know where you are from, but we happen to like our historic/existing buildings. Repurposing them for productivity--especially green biz productivity--will be what gets America back on her feet. Seek decline where you live, please. We dont want it here.

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