The Cardiff microwave making plant of Japanese conglomerate Panasonic is becoming its first European facility to be powered solely by renewable sources.
Under its Panasonic HX £108m initiative the 50-year-old factory, which directly employs 326 staff, is benefiting from a combination of hydrogen fuel cells, solar PV and battery storage - all steered by Panasonic’s proprietary energy management system (EMS).
Microwave oven production represents the main electricity requirement of the factory. Its 100% renewable energy will use green hydrogen combined with solar energy to generate electricity in-house and control the coordination of three energy sources, including the batteries which store the PV energy when the factory isn’t in operation, such as on weekends.
The company is committed to the long-term development of hydrogen and sustainable energy solutions as part of its Panasonic HX business strategy.
The factory’s new green power sources will be fully operational by March.
Masahiro Shinada, president and chief executive of, Panasonic Corporation, said: “This facility will use green hydrogen produced in the Ƶ. 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 Ƶ’s hydrogen-related industry.
“Now, with the launch of Panasonic HX here at PMƵ (Panasonic Manufacturing Ƶ), 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.”
The heat generated by the Panasonic hydrogen fuel cells as a by-product of the electricity production will be used to heat spaces and domestic hot water, further improving overall energy efficiency.
Its EMS will also leverage external local weather forecast data, including changes in weather conditions and demand fluctuations, to maintain a consistent balance between electricity supply and demand, and gather data to minimise losses in the generation, storage and transmission of renewable energy and ensure a stable supply of energy.
First Minister, Eluned Morgan, said:“Panasonic has played an important role in our economy for 50 years. 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.”
Robert Blowers, managing director, Panasonic Manufacturing Ƶ, said: “The proof of concept at our Cardiff factory will show that innovative energy solutions can be implemented into existing older factories and buildings. 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.”
