RENESAS Semiconductor (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd has launched its Phase 2 Solar Project Installation, a solar panel car park covering 211 parking lots that is expected to reduce approximately 720 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
The latest renewable energy initiative forms part of Renesas Malaysia’s continued efforts towards sustainable manufacturing, following the completion of its rooftop solar panel installation across its manufacturing facilities earlier this year, which is expected to avoid approximately 3,264 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who officiated the launch today, commended Renesas for reinforcing Penang’s sustainability agenda through its continued investment in renewable energy, describing the initiative as a meaningful step that supports both environmental responsibility and business competitiveness.
He said the solar installation reflects the multinational semiconductor manufacturer’s commitment to sustainable business practices that align with global environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards.
“The solar panel car park is a practical investment in clean energy. It makes good use of available space while generating renewable electricity for daily operations.
“It is expected to reduce approximately 720 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year. This is a meaningful contribution towards lowering carbon emissions and supporting our climate goals,” he said.
Chow said projects such as Renesas’ solar installation improve energy efficiency, reduce long-term operating costs and create lasting value for both businesses and the environment.
He noted that Renesas, one of the eight Samurais that has been part of Penang’s semiconductor success story since the 1970s, continues to play an important role in the state’s electrical and electronics (E&E) and semiconductor ecosystem.
“Renesas’ investments support quality jobs, talent development and innovation, while reinforcing the growth of our E&E sector,” he said.
Chow said the project aligns with the Penang State Government’s aspiration to build a low-carbon and energy-resilient future under the Penang2030 vision of A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation.
He added that the state’s sustainability efforts are guided by the Penang Energy Framework, under the Penang Green Council, which serves as a roadmap to strengthen energy resilience and support sustainable economic growth.
“By 2030, Penang aims to improve energy efficiency by 25 per cent and increase renewable energy to 10 per cent of the state’s energy mix.
“Today, renewable energy contributes about six per cent of Penang’s energy mix. We are confident of achieving our 10 per cent target, and once we reach it, we will set even higher ambitions to accelerate our clean energy transition,” he said.
Chow also highlighted the Penang Green Industry Programme (PGIP–SHIFT) and the SHIFT Enable CM Fund, which were introduced to help industries, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), strengthen ESG practices, improve carbon management and adopt more sustainable manufacturing processes.
He stressed that achieving a greener future requires close collaboration between the government and the private sector.
Describing the Renesas solar project as an excellent example of industry supporting the state’s sustainability agenda, Chow expressed hope that more companies in Penang would invest in renewable energy and sustainable operations.
“These investments will strengthen our industries, support long-term growth, and create a better future for the next generation,” he said.
Chow also commended Renesas vice-president of Assembly and Test Ooi Heng Ee for making Malaysia proud as the head of a global organisation that has a 22,000-strong workforce in over 30 countries.
Meanwhile, Ooi said Renesas Malaysia has become a key manufacturing site within the company’s global network, producing advanced Automotive Power Devices, Analog Mixed Signal ICs and Smart Power products that support future technologies.
“The company is entering a new phase of growth, with plans to invest an additional RM1 billion to expand its manufacturing capabilities for artificial intelligence (AI)-related products over the next two years,” he said.
The expansion is expected to create about 200 high-value job opportunities, attracting skilled professionals to participate in the rapidly growing semiconductor and AI industries.
Ooi added that Renesas Malaysia will continue transforming its operations through its Smart Factory initiative by leveraging automation, digitalisation, artificial intelligence and advanced analytics to improve productivity, quality and sustainability.
“Our long-term vision is to advance towards Lights-Out Production, where highly automated manufacturing operations can run with minimal human intervention while maintaining world-class standards of efficiency and quality.
“While technology drives our business, sustainability remains a key pillar of our future,” he said.
Ooi also expressed appreciation to GSPARX, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), Hasilwan, the Penang State Government, employees and stakeholders for their support in making the solar project possible.
Earlier, Renesas Semiconductor (Malaysia) managing director Choo Boon Teong briefed Chow, guests, and the media on Renesas Malaysia’s journey since its establishment in 1972, including the development of its Research and Development Centre at the Penang plant. Also present was Tenaga Nasional Berhad chief retail officer Datuk Kamal Arifin,
Choo said Renesas’ mission has always been “To Make Our Lives Easier” by complementing human capabilities through technology.
He highlighted that the company’s long presence in Penang reflects its continued commitment to innovation, manufacturing excellence and talent development, while its latest sustainability initiatives demonstrate its efforts to build a more environmentally responsible future.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Siew Chia En