Dongfeng Honda succeeds in using solar energy to power automobile factory

Gasgoo.com (Shanghai August 13) - The Dongfeng Honda joint venture made a significant breakthrough at its second automobile production site. Earlier this week, the site succeeded in using solar energy to power its production and assembly lines, Xinhua reported today. The news marks the first time that an automobile factory has made successful use of solar energy to power production.

Dongfeng Honda has spent 30 million yuan ($4.75m) to add solar energy capabilities to the factory. Construction on the project begun this May. According to the joint venture's specifications, the solar power infrastructure (pictured) will produce around 550,000 kWh of energy a year and will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 550 tons. The photic and watertight solar panels used can be placed where roof tiles and curtain walls would normally be placed.

Dongfeng Vice President Ouyang Jie believes the factory, which is unprecedented in its scope, will play an important part in revolutionizing the way automobile manufacturers in the country power their sites.