Apr 22 – US-based semiconductor manufacturer Intel Corp said today its Malaysian operations are now harnessing solar energy to help power its six buildings across its Kulim and Penang campus and that the project is Intel Inc’s largest solar farm outside of the United States.

In a statement today, Intel said its solar farm in Malaysia is helped by a new 3.2MW solar installation completed in January this year.

“The installation is achieving 4.1MW in total installed capacity which is provided by NEFIN, a renewable energy developer.

“The construction work began in 2020 during the global pandemic which presented many challenges, but nonetheless the solar [photovoltaic (PV)] system was put into operation in January 2021.

“The completion of this project contributes about 15% of Intel’s global, on-site solar PV electric power capacity. It will also reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 3,800 tonnes,” Intel said.

Robin Martin, who is Intel Malaysia corporate vice president and general manager of assembly test manufacturing and managing director, said in the statement that Intel’s continued investments in alternative energy are a key pillar of the group’s continued commitment to operating its manufacturing facilities with the lowest impact to the environment.

The use of renewable power generated on-site at Intel Malaysia “is a critical part of Intel’s efforts as a responsible corporate citizen”, he said.

According to Intel’s statement, the new solar farm panels at Intel Malaysia cover an area roughly equivalent to approximately 900 carpark spaces and an additional 50,208 square feet on buildings’ rooftops to generate approximately 6,000MWh of electricity annually.

The campus buildings’ electricity demand during peak hours is replaced partially by solar sources, Intel said.

“The energy supply from solar sources also helps diversify and introduce renewable energy mix into the campus energy supply mix, which was predominantly powered by natural gas and coal sources,” Intel said.

Source: The Edge