ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT
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Winds of change
Significant global investment in both land-based and offshore wind farms has created fresh opportunities
for Jotun.
In response to growing concerns over the role carbon emissions
play in climate change, global investment in renewable wind
energy is soaring. Over the past 20 years, the wind energy
industry has grown at around 26 per cent per year and
investments are expected to increase in the years ahead,
especially in China and Europe.
A growing business
At present, Jotun provides coatings for wind towers and
foundations. In China, Jotun provides coatings for wind blades
and is working to meet the evolving needs of customers. For
example, to generate more power, companies are ordering
longer wind blades which increase the speed of the blade
tip. Higher speeds increase the risk of rain erosion, requiring
more durable products. Jotun is also involved in other areas of
the wind energy value chain, including providing coatings for
installation vessels, transformers and nacelles, the streamlined
outer casing for the turbines. To secure contracts, Jotun
must build strong relationships with owners (mostly energy
companies), fabricators and wind blade manufacturers for both
newbuilding and maintenance projects.
While most windfarms are located on land, increased
investment in offshore windfarms represents a significant
growth opportunity for Jotun, which has developed a range of
proven products engineered to resist both subsea and splashzone
corrosion. In China, which has introduced regulations
limiting the use of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Jotun
offers a number of innovative products with low VOC values,
top corrosion protection and improved environment profile,
which represents a competitive advantage over local suppliers.
Besides a total solution, Jotun also offers dedicated technical
service, especially for blades.
Single Source Solution
Looking ahead, Jotun is investing in the development of
“Leading Edge Protection” (LEP) coatings which protect the
most vulnerable part of wind blades. While the development
of these coatings is a significant technical challenge, Jotun
is confident that by being able to deliver a “Single Source
Solution” from foundation to blade, the company will be both
in a better position to ensure Jotun products are specified and
strengthen Jotun’s global reputation as a quality provider of
highly durable, specialised coatings.
Renewable energy