Plans by Toyota to reduce energy consumption and cut carbon emissions at its Deeside plant are to be supported by the Welsh Government, with an award of £375,000 from its Economic Futures Fund.

The £1.6m investment in more efficient high-temperature aluminium casting furnaces, used in the production of hybrid engines at the site, will reduce metal losses in the manufacturing process and deliver significant energy savings and reduced carbon emissions.

The project will further lower the environmental impact of the site and will help Toyota meet its ambition of being net zero in carbon emissions by 2050.

Minister for Economy and Ken Skates said:

“I’m pleased to be able to back the plans by Toyota in Deeside to cut carbon emissions and increase efficiency. The project fits with our aims to decarbonise our industrial base. The Deeside plant is an important part of Toyota’s worldwide operation and plays a key role in north Wales by providing opportunities for a high skilled workforce. As a result this investment is a positive development for the region.”

Tim Freeman, Deputy Managing Director at Toyota in Deeside added:

“This is an exciting development at our Deeside plant and takes us towards our ambition of being net zero in carbon emissions by 2050. We will have a cleaner and more efficient engine manufacturing process, which will also reduce waste.

We have already taken steps to reduce emissions at Deeside, including installing a solar energy plant, and this latest development will support a further reduction to our overall carbon footprint.”