Bridgestone Corporation has announced that it has started generating solar power at two of its tire plants in Japan, namely the Shimonoseki Plant and Kitakyushu Plant.
The solar power generation is based on a power purchase agreement and is the first of its kind for Bridgestone’s tire plant in Japan. The solar power systems at these two plants have a combined generation capacity of 5.8 MW and will supply the electricity required for tire production. Additionally, they will contribute to a reduction in annual CO2 emissions by approximately 2,700 tons, as compared to emissions from electricity supplied through the power grid.
Bridgestone is committed to promoting the use of renewable energy in order to achieve its corporate commitment of realizing a carbon neutral mobility society, which is described in the “Bridgestone E8 Commitment.” Sustainability is at the core of Bridgestone’s management and business, and it is working towards its vision of becoming a sustainable solutions company that provides social and customer value.
Bridgestone aims to reduce absolute CO2 emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 50% by 2030, compared to 2011, under its Milestone 2030. In August 2022, it announced its 2030 Long Term Strategic Aspiration, which includes efforts to promote Green and Smart factories. Bridgestone plans to source more than 50% of its energy from renewable sources by 2023 and aims to achieve nearly 100% renewable energy by 2030. The company has already transitioned to renewable energy for all purchased electricity at all Bridgestone EMIA’s locations in Europe, four plants in Japan, and two plants in China. It has also begun using solar power at plants in Thailand, the United States, and Europe.
Besides commencing solar power generation based on a power purchase agreement, the Shimonoseki Plant and Kitakyushu Plant have already switched to renewable energy for all purchased electricity in 2021. These initiatives are expected to significantly contribute to carbon neutrality and further establish these plants as vital global production bases for Bridgestone’s MASTERCORE tires for mining vehicles and other Dan-Totsu products. Bridgestone plans to transition to renewable energy for all its bases and accelerate CO2 emissions reductions through expanding solar power generation and enhancing energy efficiency.
