Power Generation
About 3M Power Generation
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Life-extending protection for wind turbine blades. Films that help boost the output of solar panels. In dozens of critical ways, 3M Science helps you meet the always-on expectations of an energy-driven world.
Solutions for Power Generation
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Solar Energy3M has more than a decade of experience making solar energy a practical reality.
We offer proven tapes, advanced films, and coatings that help improve performance and weatherability, while driving down cost per watt.
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Wind EnergyWe help the wind industry achieve performance and reliability in harsh environments.
From specialized wind protection tapes, to vortex generators, to electrical splices, 3M provides products and technologies for building and maintaining wind applications around the world.
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Reduce your boil-off rate, increase your tank capacity, lower your operating expenses, and improve your returns on invested capital.
Related 3M Power Generation Solutions
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Fossil FuelsFrom exploration and production, to transport and refining, 3M supplies thousands of products to the global oil and gas industry.
We offer a wealth of innovative solutions to promote safety, improve productivity, and extend the life of assets.
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Fuel CellsWith assistance from 3M materials science, fuel cells are helping to power a more secure, sustainable future.
Need Help Finding the Right Power Generation Product?
Do you have a question or comment about 3M power generation solutions? Please contact us regarding these technologies: wind power generation, solar power generation and fuel cell components.
The 3M Science of Generating Innovation
Working with you to meet both consumer and business demands
Fossil fuels. Renewable sources. However you generate power, 3M works with you to help meet the never-ending demands of your customers and your business. We draw from dozens of scientific disciplines—materials to optics—to create products that help you generate more power faster. And with the safety and efficiency that helps drive profitability. At 3M, we never stop inventing. Here are some examples:
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Outstanding in the wind
Wind turbines are vulnerable to the same wind forces they depend on for generating power. Turbine manufacturers depend on 3M Science, and our 70 years of weathering experience, for the polyurethane coatings and wind protection tapes that help extend the life of turbine blades—and help make wind farms reliable and efficient sources of renewable energy.
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Optimizing sunlight
They are razor thin, but 3M advanced films for solar energy applications can make big improvements in solar panel performance and reliability. 3M™ Cool Mirror Film, for example, can be used to increase the amount of light on photovoltaic (PV) modules, while limiting module heating and UV exposure. The result: significantly increased energy production.
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Buoyant under the toughest conditions
3M™ Glass Bubbles are inert, hollow, glass microspheres with an amazing combination of high strength and low density. They’re an industry-standard additive that makes syntactic foams buoyant under crushing pressure and extreme cold—suitable for offshore oil drilling operations. These tiny examples of 3M Science help drill risers reach even deeper, and insulate subsea piping.
Trends
Transitioning to a World of Renewable, Green Energy
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The world’s population has doubled since 1950, along with a four-fold increase in fossil fuel use.1 2015 was the Earth's warmest year on record (since 1880) by a wide margin.2 All of this has prompted dramatic policy shifts regarding renewable energy and the environment. And the future of power generation is more apparent than ever.
For the first time ever, in 2014, global carbon emissions were flat, due to reduced coal use, expansion of clean energy and energy efficiency.3 At the same time, the global power mix is shifting to natural gas, solar, wind, and storage. Renewable energy sources will account for at least 45% of new electrical generation capacity from 2013-2020.4One thing you can count on amid all of this change is 3M Science. We’ve worked with the power generation industry for more than four decades. Trust us to work with you on transitioning to renewable energy sources while supporting your current fossil fuel and nuclear technologies. With operations in more than 70 countries, we’re able to deliver the solutions you need, when and where you need them.
1Source: J Foley, Institute on the Environment, University of MN, 2011
2Source: Global Meteorological Station Temperature
3Source: Energy and Climate Change World Energy Outlook Special Report (PDF, 5.34 MB)
4Source: IEA –Renewable Energy Medium-Term Market Report 2014 -- page 5-- (PDF, 2.50 MB)
