Embraer is working with Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) to expand the use of renewable energy at its US facilities with an onsite solar installation at its campus in Melbourne.

The project is Embraer’s first and largest onsite solar energy generation project across its global operations. Being developed at the headquarters of Embraer Executive Jets, this new solar installation will expand the company’s use of renewable energy, and bring it closer to its goal of operating with 100 per cent of its energy generated by renewable sources by 2030 across all global sites.

“This project marks a significant milestone for our company. It signifies our commitment to the future of sustainable aviation and our dedication to sustainable growth. Recognising the urgency of the climate crisis, we understand the importance of transitioning to a low-carbon economy. The need to adapt our industry to this new context presents a significant opportunity for growth and innovation,” says Embraer president and CEO Francisco Gomes Neto.

“Our customers rely on us for state-of-the-art technology and innovation, whether in the air or on the ground. Transitioning a significant portion of our Melbourne campus energy consumption to a more sustainable model will improve our operational efficiency, ensuring that our industry-leading business jets are backed by an infrastructure as advanced as the aircraft themselves,” says Michael Amalfitano, president and CEO of Embraer Executive Jets.

FPL SolarVantage offers commercial and governmental customers a variety of custom solar structures, including canopies, pavilions, roof and ground-mounted solar installations, shelters, benches, tables and trees. The programme requires no upfront costs, and FPL manages the solar asset’s design, installation and maintenance during the term of the agreement.

“We are excited to welcome Embraer to our FPL SolarVantage programme with an onsite solar installation designed to help it get one step closer to its sustainability goals,” says vice president of development Tim Oliver. “We applaud its commitment to sustainable energy sources that help keep our air and water clean now and for years to come.”

The installation, which features over 1,900 panels, will be the first at an Embraer US facility to help offset energy consumption onsite. It has the capacity to supply up to 1,800MWh/year, most of the energy needed to power the company’s customer centre facility.

Since 2021, when Embraer announced new environmental targets as part of its ESG commitments, the company has continued to prioritise cleaner energy alternatives, including the adoption and increasing use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in flight operations out of its Melbourne, Florida, facilities.