Panasonic Opens First European Demo Renewable Power Facility

Panasonic Manufacturing UK has opened Europe's first Panasonic HX demonstration facility to be powered by renewable energy sources.

Building on a 50-year-old Panasonic manufacturing plant in Cardiff, UK, the facility is fitted with a combination of solar PV, battery storage and hydrogen fuel cells powered by green hydrogen to generate electricity in-house.

All three of these energy sources are controlled by the manufacturer's proprietary Energy Management Systems (EMS).

They possess innovative features like the batteries having the capacity to store PV energy when the factory isn't in operation, for example during weekends. 

Panasonic's HX installation will fully power the site's biggest source of energy demand- its microwave oven assembly- using renewable energy.

Highlighting the phenomenal potential of green energy manufacturing, Panasonic is demonstrating its commitment to its GREEN IMPACT vision of sustainable energy solutions as part of the broader Panasonic HX business strategy.

"This facility will use green hydrogen produced in the UK," says Masahiro Shinada, President & CEO, Panasonic Corporation.

"We believe that this is the place where we can take a big step towards the future by combining British and Japanese Technology.

"It is our sincere hope that this facility can be used as a showcase to foster diverse partnerships, accelerate innovation through the combination of technologies, and contribute to the development of the UK’s hydrogen-related industry.

"Now, with the launch of Panasonic HX here at PMUK, we look forward to the next chapter.In ten years, or even 20 years, I hope this facility will be seen as a birthplace of innovation – where we helped build a hydrogen society and laid the foundation for a decarbonised future.”

Delivering the vision of GREEN IMPACT

At Manufacturing Digital we previously explored the nuances of Panasonic's GREEN IMPACT vision, which defines ambitious commitments to contribute to sustainable manufacturing and address climate change. 

As part of this vision the company is investing approximately 130 million Euros (US$136m) to develop the core Panasonic HX technology in Japan and launch this pilot in Cardiff.

In 2025 this money will help create another pilot located elsewhere in Europe. 

Panasonic intends to prove the long-term viability of renewable energy sources through this investment.

At Cardiff the company seeks to demonstrate that sustainable sources can provide 100% of the energy needed for microwave oven production and highlight the additional benefits sustainable sources provide. 

These include the operational benefits of manufacturing energy on-site which include reliable energy provision, increased resilience in a volatile market and a heightened ability to scale to meet production needs.

The heat generated by the Panasonic hydrogen fuel cells as a by-product of the electricity production can also be used to heat domestic hot water and spaces, heightening the site's energy efficiency.

In fact the 21 5KW fuel cells have 95% energy efficiency when converting green hydrogen into electricity and heat energy, meaning this method of energy production comes with increased reliability and results.

Ending the use of fossil fuels at the site will naturally have profound environmental benefits, improving both sustainability and efficiency. 

Future technology in legacy factory

Panasonic's Cardiff site was not chosen by accident. 

The manufacturer is seeking to combat the idea that retrofitting renewable technologies into older factories and buildings is an impossible task. 

Through leveraging innovative technologies and combining them with careful coordination and management Panasonic is proving that the transition to broader sustainability is possible in any industrial environment. 

A good example of how the company is supporting the site through this shift is by collecting local weather forecast data through its EMS.

This data includes changes in weather conditions and demand fluctuations, enabling the site to adapt its energy use to maintain a consistent balance between electricity supply and demand.

The Cardiff site will begin commissioning renewable energy from December 2024, and will be fully operational via its EMS in March 2025.

“The Proof of Concept at our Cardiff factory will show that innovative energy solutions can be implemented into existing older factories and buildings," says Robert Blowers, Managing Director, Panasonic Manufacturing

"Our manufacturing plant here in Cardiff turns 50 years old this year and has shipped over 90 million finished goods since 1974. 

Now, it is Europe’s first Panasonic HX demonstration site, with the potential to be an inspirational ‘beacon project’ for sustainable manufacturing.

"And it proves that it is possible to retrofit older industrial buildings with leading-edge renewable energy technologies.”

 “Panasonic has played an important role in our economy for 50 years," adds Eluned Morgan MS, First Minister of Wales.

"At a time when our traditional industries started to decline, Panasonic invested in Wales, bringing new products and ways of working that other industries have learnt from, and it has continued to invest and develop the latest technology here.

"It has built strong links with the local community and provides high quality, skilled jobs in manufacturing and technology.

"Creating green jobs that tackle the climate crisis is a top priority for me.

"Panasonic’s decision to build Europe’s first HX demonstration facility, powered entirely by renewable sources, aligns with our vision for Wales as a globally-responsible nation, dedicated to safeguarding the future for generations to come."

Panasonic's dedication to safeguarding future generations is also visible through its work sharing its learnings and transferring best practice from its experiences at Cardiff to customers, local businesses and other manufacturers.

The company has plans to invite university students and school pupils to the Panasonic HX solution facility to learn about the future of manufacturing and sustainable energy production.

This will dispel misconceptions and welcome future generations into this rapidly transforming industry.

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