Yamaha Motor Philippines Inc. (YMPHI) has unveiled its 170-kilowatt peak (kwp) solar rooftop system in its manufacturing facilities in Lima Technology Center in Malvar, Batangas.
Yamaha Motor and Excell Energy and Powergen Corp. said Monday this “milestone” marks the first phase of the motorcycle maker’s “green electrification initiatives.” YMPHI partnered with Excell Energy and Powergen for the solar project.
YMPHI General Manager for Production Engineering Arnel Recolizado said the project is expected to reduce its cost by “around P2 million” yearly.
“The system is installed on Yamaha’s Administration building and can generate up to 216 megawatt hour (MWh) of electricity per year. By replacing external energy supply with self-generated renewable energy, the company will be able to cut its electricity bills and its carbon footprint,” the company said in a statement.
As for environmental contributions, Yamaha said the solar rooftop system would prevent the burning of around 70 metric tons (MT) of coal per year and eliminate approximately 140 MT of carbon dioxide.
According to Yamaha, the amount of reduced carbon emissions is equivalent to 1,951 trees planted.
Meanwhile, the company said the solar rooftop system’s levelized cost of electricity is P2.27 per kilowatt hour (kWh), which it said is “way below” the current grid rate of about P11 to P14 per kWh.
Hiroshi Koike, president of Yamaha Motor, said its shift to renewable energy is in keeping with the company’s goal of curbing carbon emissions.
“As a global company, we are very conscious about our role and impact on society and the environment. We take our responsibility very seriously. We are enormously proud of this milestone,” he said.
“While still relatively small, it somehow allows us to already realize our vision of contributing to Yamaha Group Environmental Plan 2050. This is just the beginning. By next year, the capacity will be expanded by 1 megawatt (MW).”
Excell Energy Chairman and CEO Sherwin Hing said the solar project has been completed “without any interruptions.”
“We are very honored to be given the opportunity to work with and green Yamaha. It is a global company with very high standards. Confidently, we are proud to say that the project has been completed without any accidents and interruptions while closely adhering to Yamaha’s installation standards. It has also passed the critical parameters for grid connection.”
YMPH was established in 2007 and enjoys one of the leading spots in the country’s motorcycle market. It engages in the manufacturing and assembly of motorcycles and distribution of spare parts.
The company said it completed a P2.6-billion expansion plan in 2021. This is aimed at “solidifying its market stronghold” and at the same time contribute to the country’s economic growth.
Image credits: Facebook page of Yamaha Motor Philippines Inc.