Panasonic opens RE100 renewable-powered manufacturing plant in Wales

Panasonic Manufacturing UK has launched its RE100 facility in Cardiff, Wales, powered entirely by renewable energy sources including hydrogen fuel cells, solar photovoltaic (PV) power, and battery storage. 

The facility features 21 hydrogen fuel cells with 95% efficiency, 372 kW of solar capacity, and 1 MWh of battery storage, all managed via Panasonic’s energy management system (EMS).

The EMS balances electricity demand and supply, storing energy during non-operational periods to enhance energy efficiency and resilience. Heat generated from the fuel cells will be repurposed for heating, while gas boilers have been replaced with heat exchangers and heat pumps.

The retrofitted plant supports Panasonic’s goal to achieve net-zero CO₂ emissions by 2030 and will primarily power microwave oven production. Commissioning of renewable energy systems will begin in December 2024, with full operations expected by March 2025.