Ford Assembly Plant Will Integrate Renewables and Smart Grid Technologies

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Ford, Detroit Edison and Xtreme Power plan to build one of Michigan's largest solar energy systems and  EV charging stations at the car maker's Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan. The project is expected to provide a better understanding of the integration of renewable energy, Smart Grid technologies and energy storage in industrial settings. The installation is part of Detroit Edison's SolarCurrents pilot program that includes installation of photovoltaic systems on customers' rooftops or property over the next five years to provide 15 MW of power throughout Southeastern Michigan. Ford will work with the utility to install a 500 kW solar panel system at the plant, which will be integrated with a 750 kW storage plant capable of storing two million watt-hours of power with batteries, enough to provide electricity for 100 average Michigan homes for a year. Xtreme Power, based in Austin, Texas, will provide its Dynamic Power Resource on-site energy storage and power management system. Electricity generated by the solar installation will be used to help produce Ford's new Focus and Focus Electric models and its next generation hybrid and plug-in cars. The solar system is expected to save $160,000 in annual energy costs. The project is scheduled to begin later this year.

Quick Take: A real-world test of how well renewable energy, Smart Grid technologies and energy storage will work together in industrial applications sounds like an exciting and productive endeavor — and a very timely one.

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