MAS Holdings, South Asia’s largest apparel manufacturer, has proudly announced the successful completion of the second phase of Project Photon, an ambitious roof-mounted photovoltaic (PV) solar power project. This groundbreaking venture, initiated in 2017, has propelled MAS Holdings to the forefront of Sri Lanka’s renewable energy industry, establishing the company as the country’s largest generator and supplier of roof-mounted solar energy.
Before Project Photon, MAS Holdings possessed a modest 1.7 MW of solar capacity spread across various locations. However, with a steadfast commitment to accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources, MAS Holdings launched Project Photon, resulting in the addition of an impressive 16 MW of solar power across 18 locations. With the completion of Phase II, an additional 6 MW has been installed, bringing the total solar generation capacity of MAS Holdings to a striking 23.7 MW.
This monumental achievement has not only shattered MAS Holdings’ previously held national record for solar power generation but has also solidified its position as a transformative force within Sri Lanka’s renewable energy landscape. The sheer scale of this mega project is awe-inspiring, with a whopping 67,000 solar panels now adorning MAS facilities. This solar capacity is projected to save approximately 18,000 tons of Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) annually, covering an area equivalent to 10 cricket grounds or able to power around 34,000 households.
Furthermore, Project Photon has established a national benchmark in solar generation roof rentals, which is now being replicated by numerous roof-mounted solar investors across the country. The initial investment for phase I amounted to USD 12.7 million, marking uncharted territory for an apparel company like MAS Holdings. Building upon this success, MAS Holdings has made a total investment of USD 16 million for phase II. Today, Project Photon boasts its own experienced solar engineering teams, capable of undertaking renewable energy projects of any scale worldwide.
MAS Holdings’ unwavering commitment to reducing emissions is an integral part of its broader sustainability strategy, the MAS Plan for Change. This dedication serves as a glimpse into the company’s future investments in renewable generation and storage solutions, further solidifying its position as a leader in sustainable manufacturing.
An impressive testament to MAS Holdings’ renewable energy efforts comes in the form of the latest solar installation for Photon Phase II at the 165-acre MAS Fabric Park (MFP) in Thulhiriya, Sri Lanka’s first privately owned Export Processing Zone. Expanding to 7 MW, this becomes Sri Lanka’s largest rooftop installation under one CEB account, contributing to a significant reduction in the park’s electricity requirements by approximately 20%. Known for its environmental practices, including an on-site 10-acre analog forest and waste upcycling plants, the eco-friendly industrial park employs 12,000 individuals.
Project Photon arrives at a critical junction for Sri Lanka, which currently faces an economic and energy crisis due to heavy reliance on fossil fuels. Investments like Project Photon reflect MAS Holdings’ determination to achieve its Science Based Targets initiatives (SBTi), thereby positively impacting the apparel and textile industry, the country, and the planet.
In their unyielding pursuit of renewable energy solutions, MAS Holdings’ successful completion of Project Photon’s second phase firmly establishes the company as a trailblazer in Sri Lanka’s renewable energy sector.
