WHAUP launches Solar PV ECO System at the Continental Tyres factory in Rayong

The photovoltaic system will generate a total of 4.2 MW from 3 different types of solar power installation at the WHA Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate 4.

Photo caption

Dr. Niphon Bundechanan (4^th from right), Chief Executive Officer - WHA Utility and Power Plc, Mr. David Nardone (3^rd from right), Group Executive – Industrial and International, Mr. Vivat Jiratikarnasakul (2^nd from right), Chief Operating Officer – Industrial and International of WHA Industrial Development Plc, Mr. Vignesh Devasenapathy (4^th from left), Plant Manager of Continental Tyres Thailand, Mr. Andrei Tushinskii (3^rd from left) Head of Plant Engineering Department, Continental Tyres Thailand, Dr. Narongsak Rattanasuwannachart (2^nd from left) Key Account Director ASEAN Country Manager – Continental Automotive Bangkok, and other executives from both companies, during grand opening of the solar PV ECO system at the tires manufacturing facility of Continental, located in WHA Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate 4 with a combined installed capacity of 4.2 MW

Bangkok – WHA Utilities and Power Plc (WHAUP) together with Continental the international technology company from Germany and one of the leading tire manufacturers in the world, mark on December 1^st the grand opening of the solar PV ECO system at the tires manufacturing facility of Continental, located in WHA Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate 4. Comprising a floating solar system on the factory's water pond, a solar rooftop system on its factory buildings as well as a solar car park, with a combined installed capacity of 4.2 MW, the installation has been finalized as announced early 2021. On the festive occasion of the official opening, Dr. Niphon Bundechanan, Chief Executive Officer of WHA Utilities and Power Public Company Limited (WHAUP) outlined his plans to continuously expand solar rooftop projects, both inside and outside WHA Group's industrial estates, and increase its electricity-generating capacity to 670 MW this year, based on WHAUP's shareholding equity.

"Today is an auspicious day for the successful partnership of WHAUP and Continental Tyres (Thailand), and we are honored to celebrate together the official opening of our integrated solar power project", highlighted Dr. Niphon Bundechanan in his speech. Mr. Vignesh Devasenapathy, Plant Manager of Continental Tyres Thailand added: "The installation of solar energy systems in Rayong will generate electricity to the plant up to 138 GWh and at the same time lower the carbon emissions as well as reduce the plant's energy costs by up to 360 million baht during their entire 25-year lifespan. This is a decisive contribution to fulfilling our climate protection strategy, which aims to operate in a carbon-neutral manner across the entire value chain".

Solar rooftops, representing a combined space of 27,400 square meters, have been installed on two factory buildings, with a power generating capacity of 482 and 2,275 KW respectively. Solar carparks, covering a total of 8,400 square meters, will generate 958 KW while a floating solar system, on a 7,000 square meter pond, will produce 475 KW. The complete 42,800 square meters installation will generate 4.2 MW of electrical power throughout the entire 15-year service agreement.

"WHAUP will focus on growing its businesses both inside and outside WHA industrial estates in Thailand and Vietnam, and is looking forward to exploring new investment opportunities," Dr. Niphon said. "Our target is to install solar rooftops for another 40 MW in 2021, in addition to the 61 MW capacity at the end of 2020. We will gradually begin commercial operations (COD) for 22 MW this year. WHAUP's electricity-generating capacity based on the shareholding equity is expected to exceed 670 MW this year, up from 590 MW last year."

"Continental Tyres Thailand appreciates the successful collaboration with WHAUP as well as their extensive and reliable expertise in the implementation of photovoltaic systems", concluded Mr. Devasenapathy. WHAUP's expertise in integrated solar power systems encompass all phases from design, engineering, installation, and construction, in line with the widely recognized FM Global standards, as well as permit application and integrated after-sales services with the highest engineering and safety standards.