Energy firm to create jobs with £370k investment in “first of its kind” North East facility

A North East energy innovator has secured a £370k investment as part of its expansion plans, creating 31 jobs.

Power Roll is moving its manufacturing and head office to a new unit at Jade Business Park in Murton, County Durham.

Power Roll has developed a low cost and lightweight flexible solar film for energy generation, which can be installed in places that are unsuitable for traditional silicon panels, such as non-loadbearing rooftops and off-grid applications.

The business received an initial £250k investment from Durham County Council’s Finance Durham Fund with a further £120k grant provided by the County Durham Growth Fund.

Jade Business Park is a 55-acre employment site next to the A19, owned by Durham County Council, managed by Business Durham, and developed by Highbridge Properties PLC.

Neil Spann, chief executive, Power Roll, said: “The new solar film pilot manufacturing plant is a significant milestone for us as we transition to the next phase of our journey to scale our business, and we’re excited to be moving to Jade Business Park. Establishing a cleantech business on the site of a former colliery symbolises the green energy transition that Power Roll is set to play a major part in.”

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council, commented: “As we continue to navigate the economic impact of COVID-19 it is particularly important to support businesses to grow and thrive, especially those that are at the forefront of new green technologies in line with our commitment to tackling the climate emergency, while supporting the economy by helping to create and safeguard jobs.”

Nick Atkinson, director at HTA Real Estate, added: “These new high specification units at Jade Business Park are understandably popular because there is a shortage of good quality units available in the region.”

Andrew Clark, energy programme lead at the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Power Roll’s pioneering technology and expansion in the region is another example of a fantastic business in the North East leading the clean energy agenda and supporting the Government’s net zero ambitions.

“The energy sector in the North East has the potential to transform the region’s economy; bringing more and better jobs and further investment from both the public and private sector while solving global energy challenges.”

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