3M will
leverage its wide technology portfolio in a new Renewable Energy Division that
will include existing and brand-new technologies. Two business units have been
established within the new division: Energy Generation and Energy Management.
"3M's new
operation will serve the renewable energy market globally and bring the best
products and technologies from a single source to customers worldwide," says
Michael Roman, who was named vice president and general manager of the new
division. "3M's leadership will spread the company's next-generation products
to the global marketplace where customers will reap the benefits of having one
face that can provide proven solutions, when the need is of the utmost
importance."
Energy
Generation will focus on solar energy, wind energy, geothermal and biofuel with
product solutions such as films, tapes, coatings, encapsulants, sealants and
adhesives that help reduce the cost of renewable energy. These products provide
functionality for light management, environmental durability, thermal management
and productivity improvement.
The
resources include 3M's core technologies in materials science that have already
paved the way for breakthroughs in concentrating light. For example, 3M panels
concentrate light and are manufactured to match customer specifications. And
other next-generation films provide durability and reliability required in
solar panels, with added properties for ultraviolet stability, low flammability
and self cleaning.
3M has
already provided technology in the wind industry for more than a decade.
Polyurethane tapes have been used extensively for protecting the leading edge
of wind turbine blades, and 3M's abrasives and safety products have been used
to enhance manufacturing efficiency and safety.
With the
formation of the Renewable Energy Division, 3M will focus its expertise in
films, tapes, coatings and adhesives to enhance wind turbine reliability and
efficiency. 3M's technologies, for example, may be leveraged to mitigate
erosion, fouling and icing of blades, as well as enhanced blade aerodynamics.
In Energy
Management, 3M received the very first window film patent in 1966 and continues
to be a world leader in window film technology. 3M's window film portfolio has
grown to include solar management, safety and security and decorative
technology platforms that are sold in the automotive, commercial building and residential
markets.
The Prestige
Series, one of 3M's lines of window film products, are the first clear and
non-metal-based window films to significantly reduce heat and ultraviolet rays
entering a building. These films block up to 66 percent of heat penetrating the
window, resulting in less stress on air conditioning and lower energy costs. 3M
continues to break new ground with innovative products and services in the ever-changing
and rapidly expanding energy management market to meet customer needs.
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