Wixom, Michigan Begins Conversion of Ford Plant to Renewable Energy Resource

September 16th, 2009 by Beth Graddon-Hodgson

In a quest for cleaner technology, a former Wixom, Michigan Ford Manufacturing plant long since out of operation, is being transitioned into a renewable energy resource. The Ford manufacturing plant, which was in operation for 52 years before ceasing operations just 2 years ago, is getting a clean technology makeover, to ensure that rather than polluting the local environment, it gives something back; making up for the past contributions it’s made to the carbon footprint in the Wixom, Michigan area.

The 42 acre Ford plant will begin it’s transition to a complete renewable energy park that should re-open its doors in 2011. The renewable energy park, once completed, will create equipment for wind and solar projects, and will also host a training center to inform individuals interested in working in the renewable energy sector. As part of the project, Clairvoyant Energy will be launching a thin-film solar factory; the first in the US built using Oerlikon Equipment that will be created by the green Swiss company. The build will use Oerlikon Solar Equipment, and the project will win as soon as appropriate funding has been obtained.

Since the failing auto-industry has put so many people out of jobs, the renewable energy park is hoping to bring much needed employment opportunity back to Wixom, Michigan, where it’s desperately needed since Michigan is the state with the highest unemployment rate today. Once the project is complete, some 1,000 local manufacturing industry employees should have the opportunity to work at the renewable energy plant; with 300 added when it opens in 2011 and another 700 within the first year of its launch.

Via: Earth2Tech

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Tags: clean tech manufacturing, Ford Plant, green factory conversion, Michigan renewable resources, Michigan unemployment, renewable energy plant, renewable resources, solar energy plan, Wixom Michigan

About the Author

Beth Graddon-Hodgson

Thomas McDonnell

What is the latest on the progress at the Wixom Ford Plant? Are all parties still onboard and if so what would be the completion date?
Christina Countryman

I agree that old industrial buildings and equipment were very energy inefficient. I think we should reuse or recycle the stuff they were made of into new efficient designs. The problem in construction is labor. Nobody wants to pay someone the amount of time it takes to handle the material responsibly.
Christina Countryman

This is an important part of the work before us to achieve a sustainable society. I wish the writer had included the names of the firms involved with designing this changeover.
russ

@htl – Efficiency in the future is the most important feature.

Trying to reuse old equipment is very difficult when efficiency is taken into account. An old plant/buildings would be even worse.
russ

@htl – Efficiency in the future is the most important feature.

Trying to reuse old equipment is very difficult when efficiency is taken into account. An old plant/buildings would be even worse.
Christina Countryman

I agree that old industrial buildings and equipment were very energy inefficient. I think we should reuse or recycle the stuff they were made of into new efficient designs. The problem in construction is labor. Nobody wants to pay someone the amount of time it takes to handle the material responsibly.
Christina Countryman

This is an important part of the work before us to achieve a sustainable society. I wish the writer had included the names of the firms involved with designing this changeover.
htl

this has always amazed me that governments and companies choose to build new facilities instead of reusing the one they already have. What a waste. Anytime we see pork being spent to build a new facility instead of retro fitting one, we should let our voices be heard!

great job in reusing what we have!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!
htl

this has always amazed me that governments and companies choose to build new facilities instead of reusing the one they already have. What a waste. Anytime we see pork being spent to build a new facility instead of retro fitting one, we should let our voices be heard!

great job in reusing what we have!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!