A solar power generator has started the first phase of its operation at Bridgestone Tire Manufacturing Thailand’s (BTMT) Chonburi facility, where it is being used to power truck and bus tire production.
Comprising 2,160 individual solar panels on the facility’s roof, the installation is capable of producing 1MWp capacity. A second phase installation is scheduled to be completed in 2024 which will provide the facility with an additional 4MWp.
BTMT predicts that by 2023, the facility can reduce its CO2 emissions by 30,000 tons each year, an estimated 50% CO2 reduction compared with 2011 levels, and increase renewable energy usage to approximately 45%.
“Bridgestone not only seeks solutions to improve its energy efficiency, but also endeavors to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable society for all,” commented Shousuke Namiyama, managing director, BTMT. “This solar panel initiative is another positive step in achieving Bridgestone’s long-term environmental vision towards [becoming] carbon neutral.”
The tire manufacturer plans to install solar power generators at the Thai Bridgestone (TBSC) site and at another two facilities in the country – Bridgestone Specialty Tire Manufacturing and Bridgestone Metalpha, with work scheduled to be completed by 2023.
TBSC recently signed a contract with its partner, Impact Solar Group, for the installation of the large-scale 9.9MWp capacity solar power generator at the Nongkhae plant. This will become Bridgestone’s largest solar power generator in terms of its capacity.
