Silicones. Powering more efficient energy production and use.

Silicones enhance renewable energy technologies Silicones play a key role in energy performance and renewable energy technologies. A relatively modest quantity of silicones can be sufficient to obtain a large increase in the efficiency of processes, energy consumption, transmission and use of materials.

Wind Turbines

One of the most important renewable energy technologies is wind power. Turbines in windy places rotate, generating electricity which is fed onto the power grid. Advanced adhesives made from silicones bind the giant rotor blades of wind turbines reducing maintenance costs. These efficiency gains may increase energy generation by up to 8% per turbine. (Source: Dow)

SOLAR PANELS

Silicones are used in 90% of solar panels, aiding durability and functionality and providing durable bonds and seals alongside electrical insulation. While solar cells are made of silicon, silicones are used during module assembly and installation as encapsulants, coatings, adhesives, and sealants. Because they can withstand the sun’s unrelenting rays for years, silicones are ideal materials for solar panel and other solar power-generating applications.

A selection of energy applications using silicones:

COMPUTERS

WIND TURBINES

SOLAR PANELS

LEDs

GREEN TIRES

A total of

metric tons

of silicone products were sold
to the energy market

With a direct sales value of

million euro

1.7 Million people across Europe are employed in sectors that are related to silicone products. Silicones are part of a bigger value chain that create jobs and enable a better quality of life for us.

By using products made with silicones, you generate on average 9 TIMES LESS GREENHOUSE GASES than were emitted during manufacturing and disposal of that product.

A SNAPSHOT OF HOW SILICONES HELP IMPROVE OUR LIVES