Panasonic has marked a significant milestone by launching its first hydrogen-powered plant in Europe at a microwave factory situated in Cardiff, Wales. The facility, which has been functioning for 50 years and manufactures microwaves worth approximately £50m annually, now houses 21 5KW fuel cells powered by green hydrogen, complemented by solar PV, battery storage, and the firm's proprietary Energy Management System. This initiative is part of Panasonic's commitment to green energy, with plans to invest over £100m in advancing its HX technology, starting from Japan and expanding to another European location by 2025, aiming to showcase that the entire electricity consumption for microwave production can be sustainable. The company's president, Masahiro Shinada, expressed optimism about the collaboration between British and Japanese technology at the Cardiff plant, emphasizing the role of the facility in fostering partnerships, driving innovation through technology integration, and supporting the growth of the UK's hydrogen-related industry. Despite the positive strides in green energy, Panasonic reported a more than 10% decline in sales in the UK, citing softened demand, increased costs, and higher competition. The company's UK subsidiary experienced an 11% drop in total revenue to £174m, with a significant leap in losses compared to the previous year. Panasonic attributed the sales decline to pandemic-induced inflated spending affecting subsequent years, along with challenging economic conditions in the European market. Factors such as fluctuating commodity prices, especially in steel, also impacted material costs, contributing to the company's financial challenges. Looking ahead, Panasonic anticipates no comprehensive recovery in consumer spending for 2025.