PETALING JAYA: Continental Tyre PJ Malaysia's tyre plant here has launched an ambitious solar energy project towards long-term sustainability and eco-friendliness.
With the installation of 2,500 solar panels covering an area of 10,000sq m, the first phase of this project has a total solar capacity of 1,500kilowatt-peak (kWp) and is expected to generate 2 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green energy per year.
As such, the facility will meet about 13% of its electricity needs through solar power generation during daytime production, reducing CO2 emissions by an estimated 1,400 tonnes annually.
Continental Tyre PJ Malaysia managing director Andrea Somorova said the solar panel installation initiative reflects the company's dedication to reducing carbon emissions and embracing renewable energy solutions.
"By investing in sustainable initiatives, we not only support global environmental goals but also ensure a greener future for the communities we serve," she said.
The project was launched recently Deputy Energy Transition and Water Transformation Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.
Somorova (left) showing Akmal Nasrullah the deployment of the roof top solar panels.
"Continental's commitment to sustainability at its tyre plant in Petaling Jaya goes beyond solar energy; it is part of a broader strategy to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.
He said that by harnessing clean and renewable energy, the company was not only lowering its operational costs but also contributing to Malaysia’s goal of a carbon-neutral future.
"This is a perfect example of how industries can lead the way in achieving national environmental goals," he said.
The facility's plant manager Flora Hong Xu said the solar energy integration also ensured energy security for generations to come.
The successful launch of the Phase 1 solar energy project at Petaling Jaya tyre plant is the beginning of a broader project.
It is planned to double the total solar power generation capacity of the tire production site to 4 million KWh by end of 2026.
This project is part of Continental's global energy-saving initiative, through which the tyre manufacturer is systematically reducing the carbon footprint of its operations.
The ambition of Continental Tires is to reduce its energy consumption by 20% by 2030 compared to 2018.
The group is aiming to achieve climate-neutral production by 2040 at the latest.
