Romag And Bp Form Solar Alliance

In the UK solar industry's first major commercial and technical alliance, Romag Holdings plc is to work with BP Solar on the development of glass panels that produce renewable energy.

The partnership, which was launched in the presence of Minister for Energy Stephen Timms at Romag's Leadgate factory in Durham this month, means the dream of the office building that generates its own electricity through solar cells in its glazing is close to becoming reality.

Romag, a specialist manufacturer of specialised laminated glass has been working with BP Solar to develop photovoltaic glass that can be incorporated into the structure of a building and plan to install a £2.5m production line to make glass panels that incorporate solar cells supplied by BP.

Energy Minister, Stephen Timms said: "This marks the start of a promising new manufacturing industry in the North East and is a fantastic example of how businesses are responding positively to the challenge of renewable energy.

"In February this year the Government published its Energy White Paper which signalled a fundamental change in the way we will produce our energy in the future.

Renewables are going to be a vital component of the energy mix and the development of photo voltaics is a key part of that.

The utilisation of sustainable energy sources is growing in importance and several major UK installations are already utilising photovoltaic technology with great success.

Solar electricity can be incorporated into the design of many different buildings in many different ways and, working with leading architects, BP Solar have pioneered the use of integration of solar panels in building design.

Significantly, for the construction industry, the integration of Romag and BP Solar's respective technologies is the creation of a genuine range of building products that will be both economical and widely available.

The new solar glass panels, which will be easy-to-install and serve the dual purpose of replacing conventional glazing materials while simultaneously harnessing energy from natural light to produce clean energy, will provide a substantial percentage of the maximum power requirement of a building.

The product will also cut carbon dioxide emissions and, from an architectural point of view, will offer both striking design features and, by displacing the original building material, reduces the cost of introducing solar technology.

"By integrating the respective resources of Romag and BP Solar, the resulting technologies will offer a wide choice to designers and architects," said BP Solar European Performance Unit Leader, Charles Postles.

"The product is simple for installers to manage and once installed is very low maintenance.

It proves that technologies are available to deliver practical and economical solar energy systems.

"This announcement comes after six years of collaboration between Romag and BP Solar and is the start of an exciting period for us.

Our intention to invest in a new manufacturing facility in the North East is good news not only for Romag but also for the Region" said Lyn Miles Chief Executive Officer of Romag.

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