June 17, 2022
Rivian today announced plans for a large-scale wind turbine. That’s at its Normal manufacturing campus. One that is intended to provide clean energy. All to enable new R1 vehicles to be powered by renewables for their first charge.

Solar Canopy

Earlier this year, at the plant’s outbound charging yard, Rivian installed a 783-kilowatt solar canopy. One that is scheduled to begin generating electricity later this summer.

The wind turbine project supports the company’s long-term renewable energy vision. For that’s of developing high-impact projects. Those that reduce its carbon footprint. All the while also benefiting customers. Also communities and the electrical grid.

Turbine Deets

The wind turbine for Rivian is designed for a capacity of at least 2.8 megawatts and to be capable of generating nearly 10 million kilowatt-hours of electricity a year – enough to power 890 average US homes. Over its 25-year lifetime, it could avoid around 177,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions. For that’s the equivalent of taking roughly 34,000 internal combustion engine vehicles. All taken off the road for one year.

To develop and construct the turbine, Rivian is partnering with Apex Clean Energy. Its a Virginia-based renewable energy company with projects across the United States. That’s including more than 700 megawatts of wind operating in Illinois.

Rivian submitted a permit application to the Town of Normal, Illinois. So in June, and the Town’s Planning Commission it will consider approval this summer.

The proposed wind turbine would be less than 510 feet tall. Also with white, non-reflective blades. The planned site is on the east side of Rivian’s manufacturing campus. For that’s inside the vehicle test track. To identify an appropriate location, Rivian commissioned studies. I mean on all potential impacts. That’s from sound and shadow flicker. Finally to threatened and endangered species. Also cultural resources and communication systems. Sound is estimated to average 35 decibels and reach a maximum of 42 decibels. So: about the level of a refrigerator.

The wind project aligns with Rivian’s strategy of adding renewable resources to parts of the country that need them most. Illinois’ grid is powered by 11% renewables.

Rivian also has signed the Climate Pledge to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. That’s 10 years ahead of the Paris Agreement. The company has also set ambitious internal targets along the way.

Source: Rivian rivian.com.