Proton’s Tanjong Malim plant power initiative, which comprises the largest parking lot bi-facial solar panel facility in Malaysia has clinched the top spot in the Renewable Energy category under the on-grid (National Grid) segment of the National Energy Awards (NEA) 2023. Held on March 8, the NEA ceremony was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. NEA recognises organisations that adopt sustainable energy concepts and practices that are in line with the country’s goal of becoming net zero greenhouse emissions by 2050.
Spearheaded by the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, the yearly affair has four categories. This includes Energy Management, Energy Efficient Building, Renewable Energy, and the Special Awards. The winner of each category will take home a cash prize of RM40,000 while runners-up receive a RM15,000 cash prize.
From its commissioning in May 2021 to January 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 CO2 emissions by 32,406 tonnes at Proton’s plant. This is higher than its initial forecast target of 11,536 tonnes per year. According to Proton, this is also equivalent to offsetting between 893,000 trees, hence benefitting the community and ecosystem immensely in Tanjong Malim.
To date, the adoption of renewable energy has generated 45.78 GWh and reduced Proton’s 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.
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Proton Chief Executive Officer, Dr Li Chunrong said, “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.”
Since 2015, Proton has been dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint, starting with the Proton Green Wheel and Green Initiatives that consist 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.
Looking ahead, 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. This roadmap is aligned 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 become 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.”
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