As more and more of the automotive industry moves toward electrification, carbon neutrality remains at the forefront of myriad objectives out of companies like GM, Mercedes, Volvo, and more. While the bulk of this effort starts in leveraging more electric and hybrid vehicles, Porsche is looking into bridging this concept of diminishing its carbon footprint even at the testing and manufacturing stage via a whole new $50 million effort announced and outlined on Monday, Aug. 15.
The firm is setting the stage for a whole new pronounced effort in limiting carbon emissions through a so-called microgrid of solar panels provided in partnership by Cherry Street Energy. The project, according to Porsche, is slated upon completion to diminish the firm's carbon footprint by 3.2 million pounds per year utilizing this on-site electrical network that will be based at the Porsche Experience Center campus in Atlanta.
As mentioned previously, the entire microgrid project is situated under Porsche's newfound $50 million developmental effort at the Atlanta-based site, which will essentially be the proving grounds for this new innovative energy expansion. Construction of the solar panel array and microgrid will officially kick off this coming Sept. and will be finished by 2023. It comes on the heels of Ford's more recent announcement, highlighting the so-called largest-ever renewable energy purchase to run its Michigan production plant.
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Porsche's operating agreement with Cherry Street Energy will stand 25 years and will primarily power Porsche Taycan EVs on the premises, as well as aid in assorted operational procedures. Cherry Street, which is Georgia's largest non-utility solar energy provider, will fully operate and own the microgrid, with Porsche paying for the power provided over time.
Thus far, Porsche only has the Taycan as its mainline EV, yet the company is strategizing long term for a more holistic EV and plug-in hybrid catalog that will aid its forthcoming 80% pure electric output by 2030. Porsche CEO Oliver Blume explained to CAR Magazine back in July that the "strategy for the next 10 to 15 years" will essentially be "the transition period" as it works toward its carbon neutrality goals.
Despite a limited string of EVs currently available, the firm's EV sales have proven to be quite good as shown via Porsche's 2022 Q1 results, wherein the Taycan sold better than the highly beloved Porsche 911. The new strategy powering its Experience Center will ensure not only to bolster these sales figures while also keeping in line with the firm's slated carbon neutrality plans, aiming for full net zero across all operations by 2030.
The Atlanta-based Experience Center will see a long list of enhancements and alterations as its headquarters undergo $50 million worth of development across 60 acres. The firm aims to build a full parking deck, service center, Classic Factory Restoration Facility, and much more in an attempt to redefine renewable energy in the automotive industry.
