Panasonic Manufacturing UK (PMUK) has launched a hydrogen and solar-powered microwave oven assembly factory in Cardiff, Wales.
The 50-year-old facility has been fitted with 21 units of 5kW (105kW) hydrogen fuel cell generators which are combined with 372kW photovoltaic generators and 1MWh storage generators to supply the necessary electricity from 100% renewable energy.
H2 View understands that PMUK will put an energy management system (EMS) into operation next year, which will track changes in the factory’s electricity demand and weather changes in the UK. It will also provide a “stable supply of renewable energy to the microwave oven assembly.”
The heat generated during electricity production via the hydrogen fuel cells will be used to provide heating and hot water in the microwave oven assembly factory, aiming to achieve 95% efficiency.
Additionally, the heat generated during power generation will be used to preheat water for the water circulation air conditioning system to further reduce power consumption during hot water heating operations.
The company wrote online, “The factory aims to integrate the use of heat from existing electric boilers to reduce the power consumption required to supply hot water within the factory.”
It added that the EMS will “help Panasonic accumulate know-how for enhancing the EMS, strengthen its supply and demand adjustment technology to minimise losses in the generation, storage and transmission of renewable energy, and ensure a stable energy supply.”
Masahiro Shinada, President and CEO of Panasonic Corporation, claimed the green hydrogen used for the facility will be produced in the UK.
The CEO added, “We believe 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.”
The Japanese firm revealed that it’s investing over £100m ($126m) to develop its HX business strategy, further its Cardiff pilot and develop a further location in Europe in 2025.
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