How Panasonic is Breathing New Life Into Old Spaces
Source：Hydrogen Fuel News
Panasonic’s Cardiff RE100 Facility: Technological Advancements at the Cardiff Facility
Panasonic’s newly launched RE100 facility in Cardiff, Wales, represents a bold leap in renewable energy innovation. Designed to run entirely on renewable sources, the site’s infrastructure integrates hydrogen fuel cells, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, and battery storage. These systems are managed by Panasonic’s advanced Energy Management System (EMS).
Key components of the facility include 21 hydrogen fuel cells (each rated at 5 kW) with an overall efficiency exceeding 95%, a 372 kW solar array, and a 1 MWh battery system. The compact design of the fuel cells allows flexibility in space usage within the retrofitted 50-year-old building. This scalable setup demonstrates the potential of combining several renewable technologies into one unified energy ecosystem.
How the Technology Works
At the core of the Cardiff facility is a decentralized energy system aimed at achieving maximum efficiency and reliability. The hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity, with their by-product heat recycled for space and water heating, eliminating the need for traditional gas boilers. The solar panels contribute power during daylight hours, while the battery system stores excess energy for use during peak demand or downtime, such as weekends.