New Energies, new possibilities

Tokyo, Japan – Panasonic Corporation (Head office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Masahiro Shinada; hereinafter referred to as "Panasonic") today announced that, in order to further enhance the competitiveness of its businesses contributing to carbon neutrality (decarbonization), it plans to launch a demonstration project in the spring of 2025 at one of the two office buildings of Panasonic Industry Europe GmbH, a company that sells electronic and industrial devices, etc. (Location: Ottobrunn, Germany), where electricity will be generated in-house using pure hydrogen fuel cell generators and photovoltaic generators, powering the office with 100% renewable energy. Construction began in October last year for the introduction of the demonstration facility that will link the three types of energy sources by utilizing existing photovoltaic generators and installing new pure hydrogen fuel cell generators and storage batteries.

Panasonic HX, a hydrogen-based energy solution, uses 5 kW or 10 kW pure hydrogen fuel cell generators that can be interconnected based on power demand and installation location. The combination of photovoltaic generators and storage batteries, along with the highly coordinated control of the three types of energy sources, allows for the adjustment of power supply and demand to respond to changes in power demand and renewable energy output due to weather conditions. This solution provides stable renewable energy while reducing excess power generation and waste.

The decentralized energy package, based on local power generation for local consumption, enhances resilience in the event of a disaster. The system's ability to optimize the number of hydrogen fuel cell generators in operation, based on power demand, extends the life of the hydrogen power generation system, and facilitates maintenance in the operational environment, allowing for uninterrupted service during maintenance.

After previously establishing demonstration facilities to power its fuel cell factory in Kusatsu, Shiga Prefecture, Japan, and its microwave oven assembly factory in Cardiff, Wales, UK, with renewable energy, Panasonic will now conduct its first demonstration of power supply and demand management for an office building using hydrogen-based renewable energy. Additionally, the demonstration project in Germany will use new 10 kW pure hydrogen fuel cell generators, replacing the conventional 5 kW type. Panasonic will develop solutions that are best suited to various use cases and regional characteristics, while building relationships with local partner companies and corporate customers involved in the hydrogen business.

With a mission to contribute to the wellbeing of people, society and the planet, Panasonic adopts a medium- to long-term perspective on its business, aiming to create a society that achieves both wellbeing and sustainability. By demonstrating the hydrogen-based energy solution for an office building in Germany, the company aims to create a new business that contributes to German society and addresses climate change. It will also propose a new option for adopting renewable energy through full-scale hydrogen use, helping achieve a decarbonized society.

About Panasonic Corporation

Panasonic Corporation offers products and services for a variety of living environments, ranging from homes to stores to offices and cities. There are five businesses at the core of Panasonic Corporation: Living Appliances and Solutions Company, Heating & Ventilation A/C Company, Cold Chain Solutions Company, Electric Works Company and China and Northeast Asia Company. The operating company reported consolidated net sales of 3,494.4 billion yen for the year ended March 31, 2024. Panasonic Corporation is committed to fulfilling the mission of Life Tech & Ideas: For the wellbeing of people, society and the planet, and embraces the vision of becoming the best partner of your life with human-centric technology and innovation. Learn more about Panasonic: https://www.panasonic.com/global/about/