3M (NYSE: MMM) finalized the formation of its previously announced Renewable Energy Division.
The division falls within 3M's Industrial and Transportation Business
and will include two units: Energy Generation and Energy Management.
The products within the new division will include products currently
sold to the industry, new products invented for the
renewable energy market, and products adapted from existing
technologies.
For Energy Generation, 3M plans to sell products for solar
energy, wind energy, geothermal and biofuel, such as films, tapes,
coatings, encapsulants, sealants and adhesives. For example, 3M Solar
Concentrator Panels concentrate light and are manufactured to match
customer specifications. 3M Mirror Films demonstrate potential to
provide cost savings over similar glass-based systems. And other
next-generation films provide durability and reliability required in
solar panels, with added properties for ultraviolet stability, low
flammability and self cleaning.
In the wind industry, the company's polyurethane wind tapes have
been used for protecting the leading-edge of wind turbine blades.
In Energy Management, 3M's lines of window film products reduce heat
and ultraviolet rays entering a building. These films block up to 66%
of heat penetrating the window, resulting in less stress on
air-conditioning and lower energy costs.
3M produces thousands of products for dozens of diverse markets.
With $25 billion in sales, 3M employs 79,000 people worldwide and has
operations in more than 60 countries.
