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Panasonic has completed a major transformation of its 50-year-old microwave production facility in Cardiff, which now operates entirely on renewable energy. This marks the company’s first European initiative to integrate solar power, hydrogen fuel cells, and battery storage to power the facility sustainably. The new renewable energy system combines solar photovoltaic panels (PV), hydrogen fuel cells, and battery storage units, ensuring the factory is self-sufficient and reducing reliance on external energy sources. The system is designed to meet the energy demands of the production line, with solar PV covering electricity needs on sunny days and fuel cells providing power during cloudy or rainy weather. Robert Blowers, Managing Director of Panasonic Manufacturing UK, explained, “As part of the Panasonic Manufacturing UK 50th anniversary, Panasonic Corporation has invested in the first European Panasonic HX facility, which uses 100% on-site renewable energy.” The Cardiff facility, which continues to assemble microwave ovens, serves as a model for future renewable energy projects across Europe. Panasonic’s RE100 project, which has already been trialed in Japan, is now being implemented in Europe with this groundbreaking installation. Panasonic Corporation’s CEO, Masahiro Shinada, highlighted the importance of hydrogen in the company’s energy strategy, noting it as a key element in the shift toward renewable energy. The facility was officially unveiled on December 3, 2024, at a ceremony attended by Panasonic executives, local politicians, and dignitaries. |
