Greater Manchester has entered into a strategic partnership with Japanese tech giant Panasonic to develop hydrogen fuel cell technology.
This agreement, signed by Mayor Andy Burnham and Panasonic’s Mitsutoshi Shigeta, aims to deploy Panasonic’s RE100 green hydrogen technology across various sites in Greater Manchester, marking the UK’s first real use cases of this innovative technology.
The partnership involves key players such as SSE Energy Solutions, Electricity North West, Manchester Metropolitan University, and Carlton Power, all signatories to the memorandum of understanding (MoU). The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) will collaborate with Panasonic and SSE Energy Solutions to identify potential trial sites and provide the necessary energy infrastructure and generation.
Carlton Power, backed by GMCA and the UK Government, plans to contribute green hydrogen from its Trafford scheme. The RE100 technology focuses on harnessing green hydrogen and fuel cells to deliver 100 percent renewable electricity in industrial and public sector settings. The partnership, set to span five years, aims to strengthen research and innovation clusters, create jobs, attract investment, and drive growth, aligning with Greater Manchester’s ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2038.
RE100, Panasonic’s proprietary technology, leverages green hydrogen and fuel cells to supply renewable electricity. This technology is set to power hospitals and various public sector facilities, demonstrating the tangible impact of clean energy solutions on everyday lives.
The alliance between Panasonic and Greater Manchester is positioned as a catalyst for green jobs, skills development, and investment. Mayor Andy Burnham emphasized the significance of collaboration and innovation in achieving the ambitious carbon-neutral target by 2038. The partnership is not only a technological advancement but also a foundation for future opportunities to bring sustainable practices to Greater Manchester.
Mitsutoshi Shigeta, Managing Executive Officer of Panasonic Corporation, expressed appreciation for Greater Manchester’s commitment to decarbonization. He highlighted Panasonic’s role as a global company with products and solutions contributing to decarbonization and energy saving, particularly through hydrogen fuel cells.
