CONTINENTAL'S tyre plant in Petaling Jaya, Selangor has been selected to undergo an ambitious solar energy initiative.

Launched on January 28, the project sees the installation of 2,500 solar panels at the plant that covers an area of 10,000 sq metres.

The first phase of this project has a total solar capacity of 1,500 kilowatt-peak (kWp) and is expected to generate 2 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green energy per year. 

This means that the Petaling Jaya plant will meet about 13 percent of its electricity needs through solar power generation during daytime production, reducing CO2 emissions by an estimated 1,400 tons annually.

Continental Tyre Malaysia managing director Andrea Somorova commented that the company was not only supporting global environmental goals by investing in sustainable initiatives, but to also ensure a greener future for the communities they serve.

"The solar panel installation project at our tire plant in Petaling Jaya reflects the dedication to reducing carbon emissions and embracing renewable energy solutions," said Andrea.

Plant manager Flora Hong Xu further emphasized that the project's significance ensures energy security for generations to come.

“This solar energy project reflects our commitment to sustainability and supports Malaysia’s net-zero goals at the same time," said Flora.

Malaysia's Energy Transition and Water Transformation deputy minister Haji Akmal Nasrullah bin Mohd Nasir who officiated the launch added that the company is not only lowering its operational costs but also contributing to Malaysia’s goal of a carbon-neutral future by utilizing clean, renewable energy.

"Continental's commitment to sustainability at its tire plant in Petaling Jaya goes beyond solar energy; it is part of a broader strategy to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact. This is a perfect example of how industries can lead the way in achieving national environmental goals,” the minister added.

Continental’s Petaling Jaya tyre plant has undergone numerous transformations over the decades since it first opened its doors in 1963. 

It became fully owned and operated by Continental in 2012, specializing in Commercial Specialty Tyres and serving as the only production site for OTR X-Ply Tires within Continental’s global network. 

It also produces Off-The-Road (OTR) tyres for specialized applications, such as port operations and earth movers, with the capability to manufacture tyres ranging from 24 inches to 35 inches.

Globally, Continental aims to reduce its energy consumption by 20 percent by 2030 compared to 2018 and achieve climate-neutral production by 2040 at the latest. 

Electricity that the company purchases for all locations worldwide since the end of 2020 is said to be sourced from renewable energy sources and is climate neutral - which is in accordance with the criteria of the global RE100 Initiative. 

As part of a broader project the company plans to eventually double the total solar power generation capacity of the Petaling Jaya tyre production site (post-Phase 1) to 4 million KWh by end of 2026.