Panasonic Introduces Upcoming Hydrogen-Fuel-Cell-Based Energy Solution in Germany for CO₂-Neutral Offices

8 January 2025: Panasonic Corporation is pleased to announce the forthcoming launch of a demonstration project in spring 2025 at its office building in Ottobrunn (near Munich), Germany. This initiative is part of the company's commitment to reaching carbon neutrality through innovative energy solutions.

The project will focus on generating electricity locally by utilising Panasonic's advanced hydrogen fuel cell technology in conjunction with photovoltaic panels and storage batteries to buffer surplus energy generated when generation exceeds the demand (e.g., on weekends). This integrated solution, Panasonic HX, aims to power office buildings with 100% renewable energy. Construction of the demonstration facility commenced in October of the previous year. It will effectively link three energy sources, optimising the use of renewable energy. Panasonic's hydrogen fuel cell technology is to be powered by hydrogen to ensure green electricity will be available even when the photovoltaic panels cannot generate power, such as during nighttime.

The Panasonic HX energy solution provides a reliable and resilient power supply, effectively adapting to fluctuations in energy demand and environmental conditions. This system underscores the importance of local power generation for local consumption, contributing to its operations' overall vitality and sustainability.

Having established RE100 demonstration facilities in Japan and the United Kingdom for two of its factories, Panasonic is now poised to showcase its capabilities in managing power supplies within an office setting. The upcoming project aims to utilise new, more powerful hydrogen fuel cells, enhancing system efficiency.

Panasonic remains dedicated to developing tailored solutions that meet diverse regional needs while fostering collaborations with local partners. This endeavour represents a significant advancement in the company's journey towards achieving a sustainable energy future.

Further updates will be provided as this project progresses in the next couple of months.
https://www.panasonic.com/uk/corporate/sustainability.html

Panasonic Group Environmental Initiatives
The Panasonic Group has set forth its long-term environmental vision, "Panasonic GREEN IMPACT" (PGI), with the aim of achieving both a better life and a sustainable global environment for all. Under PGI, the Panasonic Group strives towards achieving virtually net zero CO₂ emissions from its own operations by 2030, and aims to create an impact of more than 300 million tons (*¹) of reduced and avoided CO₂, which is equivalent to about 1 percent of the current global total of approximately 31.7 billion tons (*²) by 2050. The second pillar of the Panasonic Green Impact business strategy focuses on Circular Economy. The group works on business activities to realise a circular economy in which resource efficiency contributes to decarbonisation and reduces the consumption of limited natural resources.

*1: CO₂ Emission factor based on 2020
*2: 31.7 billion tons of energy-derived CO₂ emissions in 2020 (Source: IEA)