PROTON’s Tanjong Malim solar power initiative that is comprised of the largest parking lot bi-facial solar panel facility in Malaysia has clinched the top spot of The Renewable Energy category under the on grid (National Grid) segment in the National Energy Awards (NEA) 2023. The green energy adoption, which was unveiled two years ago, has enabled PROTON to not only achieve, but exceed its initial sustainable goals.
Officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, the NEA ceremony, which was held on March 8th recognises organisations that adopt sustainable energy concepts and practices that are in line with the country’s goal to becoming net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Spearheaded by the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, the yearly affair has four categories, namely Energy Management, Energy Efficient Building, Renewable Energy and the Special Awards with the winner of each category taking home a cash prize of RM40,000 while runners up receive a RM15,000 cash prize.
SOLAR PANELS SAVE 32,000 TONNES OF CO2 EMISSIONS
Since its commissioning in May 2021 to Jan 2024, the bi-facial solar panels that generate energy from direct sunlight as well as reflected sunlight, together with the solar panels on the factory roof, have reduced the plant CO2 emissions by 32,406 tonnes, which is higher than its initial forecast target of 11,536 tonnes per year. This is equivalent to offsetting between 893,000 trees, benefitting the community and ecosystem immensely in Tanjung Malim.
To-date, the adoption of renewable energy has generated 45.78 GWh and reduced the facility’s electricity cost by 11% in 2023 with savings of more than RM10 million since its commissioning. This has further bolstered PROTON’s commitment to continuously cultivate a greener, cleaner operating environment.
Built and commissioned by Pekat Group and its associate MFP Solar, the parking lot solar panel facility spans 23.4 acres and provides shelter for 2,880 new cars produced at the plant prior to being distributed to dealers and outlets nationwide.
“PROTON as the national automaker has led and proven our commitment to protect the environment and we encourage other automotive manufacturers as well as the whole supply chain to take up renewable energy in the future,” said Dr. Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer, PROTON.
PROTON’s GREEN GOALS ALIGN WITH COUNTRY’S CARBON EMISSIONS TARGET
Since 2015, PROTON is dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint, starting with the PROTON Green Wheel and Green Initiatives that consists of 5 phases, ranging from implementing Energy Management System, Energy Efficiency measures, Waste and Water Management to renewable energy and digitalising energy data. These initiatives have helped to save RM20 million or equivalent to 55,000 MWh savings and over 40,000 tonnes of CO2 emission reduction.
Moving on, PROTON is eyeing a 10-year Energy Roadmap starting from 2020 with projects such as solar photovoltaic (PV) system expansion, a battery energy storage system, district cooling system and waste heat recovery in the pipeline, aligning with the country’s goal to cut carbon emissions by 45% in 2025 and 60% in 2035.
Remarking on the achievement, Dr. Li added, “This honour reinforces our commitment to drive the company forward with more green initiative projects, in line with the country’s goal to becoming a carbon neutral nation by 2050. PROTON is not resting on its laurels after receiving this accolade and we will continue to embolden our efforts in cultivating an ecosystem of green investments.”
