Volvo Malaysia Invests In Solar Energy To Meet Carbon Neutral Goal By 2050
Volvo Malaysia Sdn Bhd (a.k.a. Volvo Trucks) has initiated an investment of RM3.14 million in solar energy generation. This is part of its effort to meet its carbon neutral goal by 2050. To reach that goal, the company has to work on reducing carbon emissions in its operation network by half by 2025. This will be aided by the installation of solar panels in its properties in Shah Alam and Kuantan. 
Volvo Trucks officially appointed Micro Energy Holding Sdn Bhd recently 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 its system will be channeled into the grid and will offset Volvo Malaysia’s energy costs from Tenaga Nasional Berhad.
Leveraging on Malaysia’s year-round positive weather conditions, Volvo Trucks’ solar energy adoption is part of its strategy to reduce the impact of its carbon footprint. Installations at both locations are expected to enable a cumulative carbon offset of about 11,925 tonnes of carbon throughout expected 25 years of service by the panels (solar panels last for approximately 25 to 30 years).
“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. The official appointment of Micro Energy was also witnessed by Micro Energy Managing Director, Amos Ganeson, Longi Solar General Manager of South East Asia, Dennis Kwok and Longi Solar Malaysia Country Manager, David Chiu.
Upon completion of installation in November 2023, Volvo Trucks 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. 
