Proton Tanjong Malim Solar Plant Bags NEA 2023 Renewable Energy Award

At the recent New Energy Awards (NEA) 2023, Proton won the Reneweable Energy category nder the on grid (National Grid) segment through its innovative solar plant present at its main Tanjong Malim plant.

National carmaker Proton recently bagged an accolade through its innovative solar plant at its Tanjong Malim plant. Specifically, the automaker won in the Renewable Energy category under the on grid (National Grid) segment of the National Energy Awards (NEA) 2023.

Officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, this year’s NEA ceremony held on March 8 recognises organisations that adopt sustainable energy concepts and practices aligned  with the country’s goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Spearheaded by the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, this annual award has four categories, namely Energy Management, Energy Efficient Building, Renewable Energy and the Special Award. Winner of each category gain a cash prize of RM40,000 while runners up receive a RM15,000 cash prize.

Commissioned in May 2021 to Jan 2024 and built by Pekat Group with associate MFP Solar, the solar plant at the Proton Tanjong Malim plant have reduced the plant's CO2 emissions by 32,406 tonnes.

Built and commissioned in May 2021 to Jan 2024 by Pekat Group and its associate MFP Solar, said solar plant at the automaker’s manufacturing plant has enabled it to both achieve and exceed initial sustainable goals. It uses bi-facial solar panels that generate energy from direct sunlight as well as reflected sunlight.

Working together with the solar panels on the factory roof, these have reduced the plant’s CO2 emissions by 32,406 tonnes – higher than initial forecasted target of 11,536 tonnes per year. This is equivalent to offsetting between 893,000 trees, thus benefitting both the community and ecosystem immensely in Tanjung Malim.

Moreover, 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. 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.

Besides generating clean energy,  the parking lot solar panel facility spanning 23.4 acres also provides shelter for 2,880 new cars produced at the plant.

“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,” said Proton CEO Dr Li Chunrong upon receiving the NEA 2023 accolade.

Additionally, the national carmaker 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.

Altogether, said efforts sees Proton aligning with the country’s goal to cut carbon emissions by 45% in 2025 and 60% in 2035.