Nokian Tyres installs solar plant at Finnish logistics centre

Nokian Tyres has equipped its logistics centre in Nokia, Finland with solar power capabilities. The plant consists of 3,160 solar panels with a combined output of more than 1,100 kilowatts (kW). All electricity generated by the solar panels is used by the logistics centre, including to provide lighting and ventilation.

The plant was constructed by energy company Solarigo Systems and generates approximately 990,000 kWh of electricity per year; this is equivalent to the electricity required to electrically heat around 50 homes (20,000 kWh/a), 400 one-bedroom apartments (2,500 kWh/a), or to drive 5,000,000 kilometres in an electric vehicle (0.2 kWh/km). The surface area of the rooftop power plant covers approximately 17,000 m2, which is equivalent to slightly more than two football (the one played using your feet rather than the American or Australian versions) fields.

“Nokian Tyres has long had the goal of increasing the use of eco-friendly energy. Last year, all of the electricity purchased for our Nokia factory already came from renewable sources. The development of solar panel technology has made solar panels more cost-efficient,” says Teppo Huovila, Nokian Tyres’ vice-president of quality and sustainability.

In addition to the Nokia site, the tyre maker has kitted out its factory in the USA and new test centre in Spain with solar power plants. “There is a major push toward wind and solar power in Finland right now, so it is natural for Nokian Tyres to be involved. Solar power generates zero emissions and is also quiet, which makes it friendly to the nearby environment as well,” comments Huovila.