USA - PPG increases role with wind turbine industry OEMs

PPG Industries' commercial coatings group has increased its involvement in the global wind turbine industry. With the growing international demand for alternative energy forms, PPG is assisting original-equipment manufacturers with the development and application of advanced coatings and materials for wind turbine blades. Understanding the process of harnessing and delivering wind energy, as well as the harsh conditions in which wind turbines must operate, has enabled PPG to develop coatings solutions for this rapidly growing industry.

PPG is not a newcomer to the wind energy industry. The company has produced coatings and fiber glass used in wind turbine blades for more than 30 years collectively and has intensified its focus in the last 24 months. PPG is heavily involved in research and development that will help enable OEMs to produce larger, more powerful turbines that compete with traditional forms of energy generation.

“We know how important this form of renewable energy is,” said Dave Chapman, PPG global marketing director, commercial coatings. “We’ve added resources, enhanced our expertise and are developing innovative products for Europe, Asia and North America. We’re helping our OEM customers with products that take cost out of their process, increase turbine energy output and improve overall turbine durability. With our broad geographic footprint, we can support this emerging industry on a global basis.”

Experts from the commercial coatings group work with PPG’s protective and marine coatings and fiber glass businesses to address OEM needs for strong, durable and element-resistant wind energy components. The groups supply advanced protective coatings for turbine blades and towers as well as fiber glass for composite blades. PPG proprietary wind energy products include:

Selemix
PSX and Amershield protective and marine coatings that combine aesthetic appeal with exceptional corrosion and weather resistance onshore and offshore, and
HYBON 2002 and 2026 fiber glass roving, which enable a better bond between fiber glass and resin for stronger turbine blades.
According to Cheryl Richards, PPG global market development manager and leader of PPG’s cross-business wind energy team, the number of wind turbine installations around the world is expected to more than double by 2012.

The marketplace has recognized PPG’s competence, Richards said. “Part of our mission is to develop long-life coatings that protect wind energy assets, and we’ve seen a significant increase in our coatings and fiber glass sales over the past year. That higher interest is evident in shows we’ve participated in this year in Brussels, Beijing and Houston.”

PPG is continuing to develop coatings to protect tower and turbine components for longer periods of time through the most extreme conditions along with coatings that de-ice and de-bug turbine blades.

“Our blade coatings help protect the entire investment,” Chapman said. “We’re committed to helping OEMs do exactly that.”

About PPG:
Pittsburgh-based PPG is a global supplier of paints, coatings, chemicals, optical products, specialty materials, glass and fiber glass. The company has more than 150 manufacturing facilities and equity affiliates and operates in more than 60 countries.

For more information, please contact Trevor Sievert at ts@windfair.net