KUALA LUMPUR: Goodyear Malaysia has launched one of its biggest sustainability initiatives with the installation of 6,680 solar panels to power up its corporate office and Shah Alam production plant.
The ceremony was officiated by Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Minister Yeo Bee Yin.
“For more than 120 years, Goodyear has helped people connect with the ones they love, the places they dream about, and a world of possibilities,” said Goodyear Asia Pacific manufacturing operations director Ramon Le.
“As a leading tyre manufacturer globally, we are aware of the potential impact from our business operations on our environment, which is why we are embarking on multiple initiatives to protect our people, our consumers and the planet.”
To drive more sustainability efforts, the tyre manufacturer embarked on a programme called “Better Future” several years ago.
“Through this programme, we have identified more than 600 energy efficiency projects that focus on environmental protection,” said Le.
“For Malaysia alone, we have invested nearly US$5.7 million into the plant as part of our energy and environmental sustainability efforts since 2015.
“Through this effort, we have been able to eliminate almost 17 per cent of carbon emissions by end 2018.”
The solar panel system is capable of producing 2.5-megawatts of power daily, and it is connected to six low voltage (LV) substations located within the plant.
These panels will be responsible for powering the manufacturing plant, the office and warehouse buildings.
The structure includes solar modules, inverters, supervisory control and data acquisition, alternating current and direct current cable works, allowing for greater fluidity and control over the accumulated power.
Goodyear aims to reduce its spending on electricity while significantly reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced with this technology.
Each panel is made of 375W Bifacial Monocrystalline Perc Double Glass Solar Modules.
It is estimated that the company will be able to cut 1.9 million kilograms of carbon emissions per year over 25 years.