May 12, 2010

St Paul, MN, USA: 3M Joins the Desertec Industrial Initiative

3M has joined the Desertec Industrial Initiative (Dii), based in Germany, as an associate partner. 3M will contribute in the areas of film, adhesive and coating component technologies to the Desertec initiative.

3M will also contribute its expertise in the area of high-voltage overhead conductors. The company has developed a conductor based on ceramic-fiber reinforced aluminum that can carry twice as much electricity as conventional steel cables, even under the most challenging climatic conditions.

"At 3M, our goal is to leverage our technologies to drive down cost and boost performance for renewable energy generating systems," says Dr. Dan Chen, Business Development Manager in the 3M Renewable Energy Division. "The partnership with Dii links us with one of the most comprehensive initiatives to address development and energy issues facing EU-MENA and the globe."

Examples of 3M products for the solar industry include mirror films and lenses for the concentration of solar light, encapsulating films designed to protect solar cells and charge collection tapes for photovoltaic modules. New developments in coating technology are targeted to make surfaces more abrasion resistant and easier to clean. The wind industry has been relying on 3M capabilities for more than 10 years, where special adhesive tapes have proven to be valuable in protecting the edges of rotor blades.

In the future, it is intended to increase the efficiency and reliability of wind turbines still further with the help of films, tapes, adhesives and also coatings from 3M. 3M is one of the most widely diversified companies in the world. One of its unmatched strengths is the varied use - often in combination - of its more than 40 core technology platforms. The company's assets for the solar and wind industries were bundled into the Renewable Energy Division last year.

3M also established a European Research Center for wind, solar and geothermal energy creation. Application solutions for these industries are based on a selection of core competencies in the areas of films, tapes, adhesives and coatings.

Further details about: 3M