Investment Attraction
Invest in Manchester
Full Credential Description
Greater Manchester has entered into a significant partnership with Panasonic to address the pressing issue of carbon emissions through the deployment of innovative green technology. The collaboration, formalized in a memorandum of understanding, aims to explore the use of Panasonic's RE100 technology, which utilizes green hydrogen and fuel cells to provide 100 percent renewable electricity. This initiative is particularly focused on public sector sites, including hospitals, marking the first real-world applications of this technology in the UK.
The partnership is designed to bolster Greater Manchester's ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2038. It involves multiple stakeholders, including SSE Energy Solutions, which will identify trial sites and provide necessary energy infrastructure, and Electricity North West, which will manage the integration of these technologies into the existing power grid. Manchester Metropolitan University will contribute its expertise in hydrogen and fuel cell research, while Carlton Power will supply green hydrogen from its Trafford project, which has received backing from the UK Government.
The five-year agreement is expected to create jobs, attract investment, and drive economic growth in the region. It aims to foster a collaborative ecosystem that connects research and development clusters, thereby enhancing innovation in the hydrogen sector. The partnership is seen as a crucial step towards not only reducing carbon emissions but also establishing Greater Manchester as a leader in sustainable energy solutions. The initiative is anticipated to yield significant benefits, including advancements in technology and a stronger local economy, as the region works towards its net zero goals.