Bridgestone Corporation, has announced the commencement of solar power generation at two of its tire plants in Japan, the Shimonoseki Plant and Kitakyushu Plant, based on power purchase agreement. This marks the first instance where Bridgestone's tire plants in Japan have engaged in large-scale generation of solar power based on a power purchase agreement.
The solar power systems at these plants have a combined generation capacity of 5.8 MW, which will supply the electricity required to produce tires at the two facilities, while contributing to a reduction in annual CO2 emissions by approximately 2,700 tons, compared to emissions from electricity supplied through the power grid.
Bridgestone has placed sustainability at the core of its management and business and seeks to fulfill its corporate commitment of "Energy: Committed to the realization of a carbon-neutral mobility society" described in the "Bridgestone E8 Commitment" by promoting the use of renewable energy. The company aims to reduce its absolute CO2 emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 50% by 2030, compared to 2011, under its Milestone 2030. The company's 2030 Long Term Strategic Aspiration announced in August 2022 also describes its efforts to promote the Green and Smart factory.
Bridgestone has transitioned to renewable energy for all electricity purchased at all of its Bridgestone EMIA's locations in Europe, four plants in Japan (Hikone, Shimonoseki, Tosu, and Kitakyushu), and two plants in China (Tianjin and Wuxi). The company has also begun using solar power at plants in Thailand, the United States, and Europe.
The switch to solar power and renewable energy for all purchased electricity at the Shimonoseki Plant and Kitakyushu Plant is expected to make significant contributions to carbon neutrality, while also cementing the position of these plants as important global production bases for Bridgestone MASTERCORE tires for mining vehicles and other "Dan-Totsu" products. Bridgestone intends to transition to renewable energy for the electricity purchased at all of its bases while also accelerating CO2 emissions reductions through the expansion of solar power generation and the improvement of energy efficiency.
