One of Panasonic’s strengths is that it has unique technological capabilities for clean and efficient energy solutions. At IFA 2022, the company introduced its most recent initiatives, including its Pure Hydrogen Fuel cell, Air to Water (A2W) heat pump water heaters, and products designed to further the circular economy.
The Pure Hydrogen Fuel Cell is being used as part of Panasonic’s “RE100” factory initiative (“RE100” refers to transitioning “towards 100% renewable energy”). This project aims to supply 100% of the electricity consumed in the company’s fuel cell factory with renewable sources by using an energy management system that combines pure hydrogen fuel cells, photovoltaic generators, and lithium-ion storage batteries. This is the world's first attempt to create an RE100 factory through the full-scale use of hydrogen.
Panasonic also exhibited its Air to Water (A2W) heat pump water heaters. The company recently announced that it will invest 20 billion yen in its Czech plant by fiscal 2025 to strengthen the production system for A2W heat pump water heaters to meet fast-growing demand in Europe for these environmentally friendly heating solutions. Panasonic’s heat pump and air conditioning technology is globally recognized, and most recently, Panasonic Etherea Air Conditioning unit, which features Panasonic’s nanoe X technology, won the UK National ACR&Heat Pump Awards 2022.
Panasonic’s main contribution to furthering the circular economy lies in its innovative and high-end product line-up, which includes MULTISHAPE, also exhibited at IFA 2022. MULTISHAPE is a grooming tool that utilizes the same body for five different grooming attachment heads. The modular design eliminates the need for a motor, rechargeable battery, and adapter for each product, saving about 60% of resources during production compared to conventional product design. Increasing product durability, improving repairability through modular design, and long-term parts ownership will all contribute to the long-term use of our products.