Ferrari is taking part in a new Renewable Energy Community (REC) in the Italian cities of Fiorano and Maranello, Ferrari and Enel X have signed a contract to build a 1 MW photovoltaic facility. The new photovoltaic plant next to the Fiorano Circuit will be used to generate electricity that will be shared by residents, businesses, and institutions in the area.
The Ferrari Energy Community will be the first REC in Italy to ever have an industrial company promote and support it for the good of its local area. The plan is to install a 1 MW photovoltaic system by December 2023 on 2.5 acres, or 10,000 m2, of Ferrari-owned vacant land next to the Fiorano Circuit. The system’s energy will be available to the local community. A 1 MW photovoltaic system is the maximum amount allowed under the REC program.
Any public or private entity in Fiorano and Maranello is eligible to join the Ferrari REC. As a result, residents, institutions, businesses, and factories will all be able to use the generated renewable energy or take on the important part of renewable energy prosumers. People in the area can also maximize their benefits for themselves and the community by installing or connecting additional photovoltaic power generation systems. It doesn’t mention if there is a maximum amount allowed for individual contributions per home.
The Renewable Energy Community, which will be run on Enel X’s renewable energy technologies using single-axis trackers and ultra-high performance double-sided photovoltaic panels, will have a positive impact on the environment and the community. In terms of the environment, distributing ‘zero-mile’ renewable energy lowers CO2 emissions and helps prevents energy waste during energy distribution.
A 20-year average production of 1,500 MWh will be produced by the new plant in Fiorano, preventing about 450 tons of CO2 emissions annually. The energy community will offer real savings in energy bills for its members both economically and socially. According to the Enel website, each member of the Energy Community will continue to pay their bill in full to their own electricity supplier, but regularly receives a lump sum from the Community based on the shared benefits.
“Sustainability is a priority for us: not only do we aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, but we also want to be a catalyst for a wider change,” said Benedetto Vigna, Ferrari CEO. “The Ferrari Energy Community is a concrete example of the possible synergy between industry and the community in which it operates and a model that can bring important benefits to the Italian energy system. Because of its scalability and replicability, it can accelerate the process of decarbonization while reducing the cost of energy for citizens and businesses.”
The Renewable Energy Community is another step in Ferrari’s sustainability strategy. Last year, the company erected a 450 kW solar system and a 1 MW fuel cell plant in Maranello. In 2023, 2 MW of additional panels will be added to the site.
Ferrari has also implemented several improvements suggested by its employees. As a result of all the changes the facility made in 2022 from employee suggestions, the energy used to produce one car has been reduced by approximately 5%. Which doesn’t sound like much, but every percent counts, and it’s good that the company is listening to its employees on ways to better reduce its environmental impact.
“Together with Enel X and our other partners, we are developing new solutions that will contribute significantly to reducing CO2 emissions, said Benedetto. “The challenge of becoming a carbon-neutral company by 2030 is a further stimulus for Ferrari to innovate in every area, taking a scientific, holistic approach to the sources of emissions: from the cars in use to our supply chain, and our production activities.”
Photovoltaic Plant in Fiorano – Technical Specifications
- Area of the plant: 2.5 acres or 10,000 m2
- Number of solar panels: 1,818 double-sided panels of 550 W each
- Average annual energy production: 1,500 MWh for 20 years
- CO2 emissions savings: approx. 450 tons per year
Source: Ferrari
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