County Durham Solar Innovator Power Roll Secures Major Japanese Partnership
In a significant breakthrough for green energy, County Durham-based solar technology firm Power Roll has inked a pivotal joint development agreement with Japanese utilities giant Tokyo Gas. This landmark deal represents the first time Power Roll's innovative solar film products will be deployed outside of Europe, marking a major expansion for the North East-developed technology.
Collaboration to Adapt Solar Films for Japanese Market
The agreement will see the two companies collaborate closely to prepare Power Roll's advanced solar film technology for the Japanese market. Key aspects of the partnership include identifying suitable manufacturing partners within Japan and progressing technical designs for the perovskite-based technology. This technology is noted for being flexible, lightweight, and offering "ultra low cost" solar solutions, bringing large-scale deployment closer to reality.
Together, Power Roll and Tokyo Gas will explore the wider potential applications of the solar films, establish routes to market, and navigate certification requirements specific to Japan. Trial uses of the technology are scheduled to take place at Tokyo Gas' facilities, where over the course of a year, performance data will be collected. This data is crucial for enhancing the capabilities and reliability of the solar films in Japan's unique climate conditions.
Game-Changing Technology with Urban Applications
Unlike traditional, often ground-mounted solar panels, Power Roll's ultra-light solar films can be applied to a diverse range of surfaces. This includes rooftops and vertical building facades, opening the door to widespread adoption in urban and commercial environments where space is at a premium. This flexibility is a key advantage that the partnership aims to leverage.
Neil Spann, Chief Executive of Power Roll, expressed his enthusiasm, stating: "This Joint Development Agreement with Tokyo Gas represents a major milestone in our long-standing relationship as we work to bring our game-changing solar film technology to market. Tokyo Gas is a natural partner for us, thanks to their expertise, innovation, and commitment to driving clean energy solutions."
He added: "Together, we aim to establish Japan as the global leader in perovskite solar technology while addressing critical energy challenges globally. This partnership underscores the long-term potential of our collaboration to create impactful solutions for renewable energy generation. By combining Power Roll’s cutting-edge solar technology with Tokyo Gas’s market leadership, ability to scale and infrastructure, we are laying the groundwork for a new era in solar power that will redefine how and where solar energy is deployed."
North East Trade Mission Paves the Way
This agreement follows a successful North East trade mission to Japan in November, led by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness. During the mission, Mayor McGuinness met with Tokyo Gas on behalf of Power Roll, which operates from its base in Murton, County Durham.
Reflecting on the deal, Mayor McGuinness said: "This partnership between Power Roll and Tokyo Gas shows the depth of opportunity there is to secure and grow green energy investment and with that jobs in places like County Durham. I was proud to meet with Tokyo Gas on behalf of Power Roll during our trade mission to Japan last year, when I saw first-hand the global appetite there is in our cutting-edge technology, so I am delighted it has now led to this agreement."
She further emphasized the region's strengths: "North East England has the people, the technology and the spirit of innovation to become the home of the green energy revolution. Our engineers and our businesses are making a real difference on the global stage, and we are backing them to deliver the job security and growth opportunities that brings."
This partnership not only highlights the international appeal of British green technology but also signals a promising step forward in the global adoption of innovative, cost-effective solar energy solutions.
