Bridgestone began using its first solar power generator in Thailand to directly power the manufacturing process at the truck and bus tyre plant.
Bridgestone Accelerate its Journey Towards Sustainability Milestone
Bridgestone Tire Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (BTMT) started the operation of the first phase of its solar power generator to directly power its truck and bus tyre manufacturing operations in Chonburi, Thailand.
The first phase solar power generator comprises of 2,160 individual solar panels installed on the facility’s roofs with a total capacity of 1 MWp. The second phase, scheduled to be completed in 2024, will include the installation of additional 4MWp of solar power generator and switching 40 per cent of the energy outsourced from external provider to renewable energy.
By 2023, BTMT is expected to reduce 30,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually, an estimated around 50 per cent CO2 reduction compared to 2011, and to increase the ratio of renewable electricity usage to approximately 45 per cent.
“Bridgestone not only seek solutions to improve its energy efficiency, but also endeavour to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable society for all. This solar panel initiative is another positive step in achieving Bridgestone’s long-term (2050 and beyond) environmental vision towards carbon neutral.” Shousuke Namiyama, the Managing Director of BTMT said.
Bridgestone plan to further install the solar power generators at Thai Bridgestone Co, Ltd. (TBSC) and another 2 facilities in Thailand, namely Bridgestone Specialty Tire Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Bridgestone Metalpha (Thailand) Co., Ltd., by 2023.
TBSC has recently signed a contract with its partner, Impact Solar Group (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a pioneer and renowned solar rooftop solutions provider, to install a large-scale 9.9 MWp capacity solar power generator at its Nongkhae plant. Upon completion, it will become the largest solar power generator in terms of capacity among the global Bridgestone Group.
