A central component of current developments in the plastics industry is the increased use of renewable energies. Solar energy, wind power and other sustainable energy sources are becoming increasingly important worldwide. However, these technologies would be inconceivable without plastics. They play a crucial role in the production of solar cells, wind turbines and energy storage systems.
The lightness, durability and flexibility of plastics are irreplaceable for the efficiency and longevity of these technologies. Plastic films are used in solar cells to make the photovoltaic modules light and efficient. In wind turbines, plastics ensure that the rotor blades are stable, light and durable. Special plastics are also used in battery storage systems, which are necessary for storing solar and wind energy, in order to maximise the safety and efficiency of the storage solutions.
Covestro offers an illustrative example: PU resins for rotor blades are developed and tested together with customers at the in-house wind technology centre. These resins not only ensure optimum stability and flexibility, but also enable faster and more cost-effective production of wind turbines – a real step forward for the energy transition. In our exclusive interview with Covestro, we take a closer look at the topic.
Many companies in the plastics industry are also already focussing on green electricity and thus reducing their CO2 footprint. At the same time, it is clear that without modern plastics, many applications in the field of renewable energies would not be realisable at all.