Volvo Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Volvo Trucks) is making strides to fulfil its commitment to become carbon neutral by 2050. The Swedish truck maker has initiated an investment of RM3.14million for its Shah Alam and Kuantan properties to be fitted with solar panels to reduce carbon emissions in their own operational network by 50% by 2025.
“Sustainability is the future, and Volvo Trucks is ahead of the curve. Our sustainability journey is not just about trucks, it encompasses the entire business operation. This is aligned with Volvo Group’s vision for its entire product range and supply chain to be net-zero emission by 2050 at the latest.”
“Similarly in Malaysia, the goal to reduce CO2 emissions calls for action from stakeholders across disciplines to combine strengths and solve shared challenges. This investment marks one of many more events that signifies our transition towards a sustainable future,” said Volvo Trucks Malaysia Managing Director, Anthony O’Connell.
“We are here to support Volvo all the way in this journey to reach its goal in ensuring sustainability and a greener world” said Micro Energy Holdings Chairman, Tan Sri Dato Sri Dr Abdul Aziz bin Haji Jaafar.
Leveraging on Malaysia’s year-round positive weather conditions, Volvo Trucks’ solar energy adoption is part of its strategy to increase positive carbon footprint impact. Installations at both locations are expected to enable a cumulative carbon offset amounting to 11,925 tonnes of carbon throughout the term of 25 years (solar panels last for approximately 25 to 30 years) for the commercial vehicle maker.
Volvo Trucks has officially appointed Micro Energy Holding Sdn Bhd (Micro Energy) as its solar panel supplier, installer and maintenance contractor. The solar energy harvested will cover 95% of the power supply for Volvo Trucks Shah Alam and 98% for Kuantan. Excess energy from the system will go back into the grid and will be offset in the Volvo Malaysia energy costs from energy supplier, Tenaga Nasional Berhad.
Upon completion of installation in November 2023, Volvo Trucks Malaysia is expected to see a reduction of 477 tonnes of carbon or 35% less when benchmarked against carbon emissions in 2019.
The solar energy technology adoption is also paving the way for Volvo Trucks’ preparations to introduce Volvo electric trucks in Malaysia. Setting the playing field to deliver electromobility total solutions, the Swedish truck maker will be investing in the installation of electric vehicle (EV) chargers at its properties starting with its headquarters in Shah Alam.
Volvo Trucks Malaysia officiated the appointment of its solar energy partners with a signing ceremony between Managing Director, Anthony O’Connell and Micro Energy Chairman, Tan Sri Dato Sri Dr Abdul Aziz bin Haji Jaafar, witnessed by Micro Energy Managing Director, Amos Ganeson. Also present were Longi Solar General Manager of South East Asia, Dennis Kwok and Longi Solar Malaysia Country Manager, David Chiu.
