Continental Tyre Plant In Petaling Jaya Adopts Solar Power To Boost Sustainability Effort
Continental’s tyre manufacturing facility in Petaling Jaya has taken a significant step towards sustainability with the implementation of its on-site solar energy production project. This initiative sees the installation of 2,500 solar panels across 10,000 square meters of the plant’s rooftop.
The first phase of this project boasts a total solar capacity of 1,500 kilowatt-peak (kWp) and is projected to generate 2 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean energy annually. This renewable energy source will fulfill approximately 13% of the Petaling Jaya plant’s electricity demands during daytime production, drastically reducing the facility’s reliance on conventional power sources. The move is expected to cut CO2 emissions by an approximately 1,400 tons per year. 
“The solar panel installation project at our tyre plant in Petaling Jaya reflects the dedication to reducing carbon emissions and embracing renewable energy solutions. By investing in sustainable initiatives, we not only support global environmental goals but also ensure a greener future for the communities we serve,” stated Andrea Somorova, Managing Director at Continental’s Petaling Jaya tyre plant.
Plant Manager, Flora Hong Xu, highlighted the project’s alignment with Malaysia’s sustainability objectives: “This solar energy project reflects our commitment to sustainability and supports Malaysia’s net-zero goals at the same time. It ensures energy security for generations to come.”
Present at the event to commemorate its solar energy initiative was YB Tuan Haji Akmal Nasrullah bin Mohd Nasir, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, Malaysia. He praised Continental’s efforts, stating, “Continental’s commitment to sustainability at its tyre plant in Petaling Jaya goes beyond solar energy; it is part of a broader strategy to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact. By utilising clean, renewable energy, the company is not only lowering its operational costs but also contributing to Malaysia’s goal of a carbon-neutral future. This is a perfect example of how industries can lead the way in achieving national environmental goals.”
Continental’s investment doesn’t stop here, as the plant plans to double its solar power generation capacity to 4 million kWh by the end of 2026. This expansion is part of Continental’s global energy-saving initiative, aiming to significantly reduce the company’s carbon footprint.
Continental has set an ambitious target to reduce its energy consumption by 20% by 2030 compared to 2018, and to achieve climate-neutral production by 2040. The company has already taken steps to ensure that 100% of its purchased electricity worldwide is sourced from renewable energy since the end of 2020.
Continental’s Petaling Jaya plant, which first began operation in 1963, has evolved into a Centre of Innovation and Excellence, producing Commercial Specialty Tyres and acting as the sole producer of OTR X-Ply Tires within Continental’s global network. The plant specialises in Off-The-Road (OTR) tyres for a range of specialised uses such as port operations and earth movers, with the capability to manufacture tyres ranging from 24 inches to 35 inches.
