Panasonic will commence commercial sales of hydrogen fuel cells in the Australian market from October 2024, recognising growth in the nascent green hydrogen industry.
Panasonic will launch the PH3, the latest version of its H2 KIBOU pure hydrogen fuel cell generator that generates DC power. With a maximum capacity of 10kW, the new PH3 model is double the capacity of its predecessor PH1 model (5kW).
Outside of Japan, Australia has been selected as a focus region, alongside Europe and China, for the launch of the new PH3 model, highlighting Panasonic’s intent to strengthen its footprint in the domestic renewable energy industry, and scale up its hydrogen business around the world.
Ahead of the launch of its commercial offering in October, Panasonic has been engaging with stakeholders from across the Australian renewable hydrogen value chain. In 2022, Panasonic and ATCO Gas rolled-out the first Australian field test of Panasonic’s 5kw fuel cell at the ATCO Clean Energy Innovation Hub (CEIH) in Jandakot, Western Australia.
Panasonic is also partnering with locally owned energy solutions business, Optimal Group to develop applications for its stationary hydrogen fuel cell technology in the Australian market. The company is currently trialing a 5kW unit for commercial applications in preparation for the new PH3 model.
Panasonic Australia managing director, Paul Reid said the PH3 launch was a critical step in the company’s efforts to expand its portfolio of sustainability solutions for the Australian market.
“Panasonic has been conducting successful field trials of its Hydrogen Fuel Cell technology in Australia since 2022, but this new solution will offer a highly flexible and scalable platform suitable for a variety of commercial and industrial applications across Australia,” he said.
“Our partnership with Optimal Group brings together two leaders in both the development and application of these technologies, to deliver on the vast potential of renewable hydrogen in Australia.”
Optimal Group CEO, Craig Dugan said that the partnership reflected the company’s mantra of providing Australian companies with comprehensive solutions to meet their energy needs.
“At Optimal Group, we are in the ‘problem-solving business’. Our mission is to deliver cleaner, more reliable energy solutions to our customers,” he said.
“Hydrogen is going to play an enormous role in the decarbonisation of our energy needs, and we see hydrogen fuel cell technology becoming an increasingly viable solution for delivering a successful energy transition in Australia.
“We believe the Panasonic PH3 provides superior performance and lifecycle compared to other fuel cells in the market. Together with Panasonic, we’re excited about the possibilities that their new PH3 model will provide in the journey towards net zero and green energy reliability.”