Panasonic Provides Sustainable Solutions For Renewable Energy Training Hub at UHI Inverness

Panasonic celebrates its partnership with UHI Inverness at the opening event for its brand-new Renewable Energy Training Hub. The new hub provides hands-on air source heat pumps for installers to experience the latest sustainable heating technology, and included in the fleet is the Panasonic L Series heat pump range.

Seeking to upskill the next generation of heating and plumbing installers in renewable-based technologies, Panasonic worked in partnership to provide a range of its Aquarea L Series air source heat pumps to UHI Inverness new training hub. Joined by representatives from local heating and plumbing firms, the launch event celebrated this important progression to deliver education to new and existing practitioners and apprentices. The event offered information about the advanced heat pump technology and how the new hub can upskill practitioners and benefit businesses.

Professor Chris O’Neil, Principal and Chief Executive of UHI Inverness, expressed his gratitude to the companies involved, including Panasonic, for sponsoring the thermal store. He welcomed everyone to the launch by saying, “With nearly half of Scotland’s registered air source heat pump installers based in this area, our region is embracing new and critical technologies. As an institution we are more than delighted to be involved in moving that forward, and very grateful for the support we have received from our colleagues in the industry.”

The hub will offer installers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with the latest heat pump technology, developing their skills using the latest sustainable products with the aim of helping to decarbonise heating, future-proof Scottish homes and address the skills shortage in the industry.

John Kellett, UK Country Manager for Panasonic UK and Ireland, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “It’s fantastic that we are a part of this partnership alongside UHI Inverness. Futureproofing homes begins with upskilling the workforce, and it is vital that we offer guidance and experience to the next generation of talent, so that we can increase employment, sustainable practices, and highly efficient heated homes across Scotland.”

Iain King, Curriculum Leader of Construction and Engineering at UHI Inverness, said: “In this dynamic time of moving towards green-based heating, UHI Inverness has invested in updating its renewables centre to allow us to upskill existing practitioners and train apprentices in the emerging technologies required to achieve net zero carbon emissions. Our valued partnerships will provide access to these technologies, ensuring that our services remain at the forefront of the industry, advancing standards and sustainability, and creating a new generation of qualified practitioners.”

The Highland Council invited applications for funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to support the costs of renewable skills training for the workforce. Alongside the local support from businesses, UHI Inverness received funding and collaborated with its partners to create the new training hub with the latest technology.

For more information on the above award winning project or  Panasonic’s wide range of HVAC&R solutions please do get in touch via email, uk-aircon@eu.panasonic.com or visit https://www.aircon.panasonic.eu/GB_en/