DSM INTRODUCES NEW SOLUTIONS-BASED SERVICE PACKAGE FOR WIND TURBINE BLADE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY

Schaffhausen (CH), October 14, 2010 – At the China Wind Power show (Beijing Oct 13-15), DSM, the global leader in resins for composite applications, today outlined their new solutions-based approach for the global wind turbine blade manufacturing industry.

At the heart of DSM’s new approach is a move to educate the wind energy industry on the benefits and long-term potential of switching away from the traditionally used epoxy resins towards polyester resins for wind turbine blade manufacturing.

According to DSM the advantages of polyester resins in blade manufacturing are primarily to be found in faster-cycle times and improved energy efficiency in the production chain. Moreover, the trend towards longer blade lengths, structural strength, lower weight, performance and durability is demanding better performing material options. The performance properties of UPR (Unsaturated Polyester Resins) meet these requirements and it is a proven material in blade sizes of up to 3.5 MW turbines, or over 45 M length. With blade sizes expected to reach up to 8-10 MW, polyester resins are set to become the material of choice in the manufacture of longer blades

The complete solution package offered to blade manufacturers consists of consultancy and technical support spanning the entire production process of wind turbine blades – from resin choice to mould and blade design to processing technology. DSM’s service will include advice on reinforcement type and adhesives used, gelcoats and specific coating systems. The approach will help blade manufacturers optimize production and cut total system costs by up to 40%. Wind turbine blades will be made with greater manufacturing flexibility, increased structural strength and in a more environmentally friendly and sustainable way.

Wind energy needs to compete against other types of traditional and clean energy generation on a cost/performance basis. The competitiveness of wind energy can be improved by smarter blade design and cost effective high quality UPR materials to make strong, durable and reliable wind turbine blades that can be processed smartly and efficiently. Blade designers and manufacturers therefore need better and simpler access to materials and processing expertise, which DSM now brings to the market in a solutions-based approach that harnesses expertise from the entire value chain for the development of wind turbine blades.

DSM’s new approach will involve working with select, key partnerships such as Global Blade Technology, on the design of UPR –based blades and molds.

“We are highly impressed with DSM’s knowledge of the industry, combined with their ability to develop materials to meet customer needs. We believe our knowledge and experience in blade design and manufacturing technology will help provide alternative designs for blades based on UPR resins. Together we offer a complete service to our customers,” said Jan Willem van der Werff, CEO at Global Blade Technology.

“This cooperation is an important element in our strategy to grow the application of our products in the wind turbine blade market. We are confident we will be able to leverage the experience and expertise of GBT to offer a unique package to the industry,” said Michael Effing, President of DSM Composite Resins.

Customers will only need to deal with a single point of contact to access and benefit from extensive material know-how and expertise, a comprehensive portfolio of high-performance UPR resins, and a range of consultancy services encompassing aerodynamic and structural blade design, plug & mould design and construction of the mould, processing definition, assist in blade homologation; definition and assistance start up of production

“This is a radical and new approach to the market,” says Effing. “We are now a complete solutions provider of specialty UPRs supported by the industry’s most extensive knowledge and support capability working in close partnership with leading industry players. This move underlines how committed we are to the global wind turbine blade manufacturing industry and to contributing generally to more sustainable energy production with our material innovations.”

Effing further said: “China will continue to be a strategically crucial market for DSM Composite Resins and we are fully committed to growing our customer support capability here.”

“The global wind power market grew by 31% in 2009, but in China installed capacity grew by 100 %. We believe we can grow our share and bring greater value to blade manufacturers through our new solution package supported with our dedicated resources in marketing, sales, manufacturing and R&D in our Shanghai and Nanjing technical centers.”

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