Panasonic opens its first fully renewable energy factory in Europe, powered by solar and hydrogen

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Category: Technology/Innovations

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Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. integrate / ˈɪn tɪˌgreɪt / (v.) – to combine two or more things to make something more effective or work better
    Example:

    The company integrates modern technology into its traditional manufacturing processes.


  2. sustainably / səˈsteɪ nə bli / (adv.) – in a way that doesn’t harm the environment and ensures that energy and natural resources last for many years
    Example:

    The company sources its materials sustainably to reduce environmental impact.


  3. reliance / rɪˈlaɪ əns / (n.) – the condition of requiring assistance, support, etc. from someone or something
    Example:

    His reliance on technology grew as he began working from home.


  4. amid / əˈmɪd / (prep.) – in the middle of something
    Example:

    The manager remained calm amid all the issues with the new project.


  5. pivotal / ˈpɪv ə tl / (adj.) – relating to something very important since other things depend on it
    Example:

    The senior staff played a pivotal role in the growth and development of the junior staff.


Article

Read the text below.

Tech giant Panasonic has converted its 50-year-old microwave production facility in Cardiff, Wales, to operate entirely on renewable energy.


This project, the company’s first in Europe, integrates solar, hydrogen fuel cells, and battery storage to power the factory sustainably.


Inside, workers continue assembling microwave ovens, and the hope is that this entire operation will be using energy generated on-site from renewable sources.


Robert Blowers, Managing Director, Panasonic Manufacturing UK says, “As part of the Panasonic Manufacturing UK 50th anniversary, Panasonic Corporation have invested in the first European Panasonic HX facility, and that’s going to be based here in Cardiff. That’s a combination of solar system, that’s a combination of storage battery and hydrogen fuel cells to power the microwave oven facility in Panasonic Manufacturing UK using 100% on-site renewable energy.”


The renewable energy system combines solar photovoltaic panels (PV), hydrogen fuel cells, and battery storage units to provide a reliable power source for the factory.


This system ensures the factory is self-sufficient, a strategic move as Panasonic seeks to reduce reliance on external power sources amid global energy instability.


The technology, part of Panasonic’s RE100 project, was successfully trialed in Japan and is now being implemented in Europe for the first time.


Shigeki Yasuda, Senior Engineer who worked on the RE100 project at Panasonic says, “On sunny days solar PV covers the demand (in electricity) for the factory, but on cloudy or rainy days fuel cells start up immediately and covers demand for the factory.”


The factory was officially unveiled on December 3, 2024, at a ceremony attended by Panasonic executives, local politicians, and dignitaries.


Masahiro Shinada, Panasonic Corporation’s CEO, says investing in hydrogen is a pivotal moment for the company, and he looks forward to a future where hydrogen is used more often as a way to shift to renewable energy.


Panasonic says the Cardiff facility will serve as a model for future projects in Europe, showcasing renewable energy’s potential for industrial operations.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • According to Shigeki Yasuda, the factory uses solar energy on sunny days but easily switches to fuel cells on cloudy or rainy days to meet its energy requirements. How do you think having such a system affects business operations? What industries do you think would benefit from having other sources of energy or power? Discuss.
  • What do you do when the electricity is out? Would you want to have a similar kind of system in your home? Why or why not? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Panasonic trialed its project in Japan before using it in Europe. Why is it important to test ideas before using them in other places? Discuss.
  • How do initial trials help in understanding potential challenges and benefits when implementing technology elsewhere? Discuss.