Honda Malaysia has officially completed its first solar installation project at its Melaka manufacturing plant in Alor Gajah, a RM14 million investment aimed at slashing its carbon footprint as part of Honda’s global vision to hit total carbon neutrality by 2050.
Officiated by Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Utama Ab Rauf bin Yusoh, the setup makes Honda Malaysia one of the early industrial electricity consumers in the country to implement a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) alongside a large-scale solar array.
8,960 solar panels to slash emissions by 10%
Honda Malaysia has outfitted the rooftops of its Melaka facility with approximately 8,960 solar panels. The system boasts a total installed capacity of over 5.6 Megawatts (MW) and is projected to generate roughly 7,042 Megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean electricity every year.
This setup will cut the facility’s carbon footprint by 4,584 tonnes of CO2 annually, effectively cutting the Melaka plant’s overall carbon emissions by around 10%. Beyond reducing its reliance on traditional grid power, the initiative ensures local vehicle assembly operates on significantly greener energy moving forward.
What is the BESS setup about?
Solar power is great when the sun is shining, but managing energy flow requires a bit more tech. To handle this, Honda Malaysia integrated a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) into the facility.
The BESS acts as a massive bank that stores excess solar power generated during peak sunlight hours. That stored energy can then be dispatched whenever needed, creating a stable, efficient, and consistent supply of clean energy for operations.
In addition to the physical setup, Honda Malaysia achieved a 3.07 star rating under the Climate and Sustainability Industry Readiness Index (COSIRI), proving its ESG framework is more than just marketing speak. The project was also supported by the government’s Green Investment Tax Allowance (GITA).
Expansion to Shah Alam coming in 2027
The green push isn’t stopping at Alor Gajah. According to Honda Malaysia Managing Director and CEO Narushi Yazaki, the company plans to expand its solar installations to its Parts Supply Warehouse in Bukit Jelutong, Shah Alam, by 2027.
Beyond manufacturing facilities, Honda’s dealership network is also adopting greener practices like rainwater harvesting and proper battery disposal. On the road side of things, Honda continues to expand its e:HEV hybrid lineup, offering Malaysian buyers efficient electrified options alongside its greener manufacturing efforts.