3M Joins Wind Power Business

3M, a major US adhesive company, may not seem like a logical fit for wind power business. But recently it announced its new line of product, Wind Tape, that would extend the life of wind turbine blades.

The new product line, which was developed by the company's new Renewable Energy Department, puts 3M in the middle of the battle of reducing world's greenhouse gas emission.

Wind Tape is designed to protect the edge of the huge wind turbine blades. Those blades, spin at 180 miles an hour, are usually damaged in about two years after generating electricity, from the erosion of the wind.

3M's Wind Tape comes in 8-inch wide and 54-foot long. Each roll costs at least $288. But comparing to the turbines that cost $100,000 each, the tape will be the money well spent.

According to 3M's website, the tape will extend the life span of a turbine by seven to ten years.

Finance and Commerce reported: "U.S. wind turbine components and systems would be worth $60.9 billion in 2013 – more than five times the 2008 market value of $11.2 billion.

3M wants to be part of the aggressive growth forecast contained in BCC’s report, which equates to a compound annual growth rate of 40 percent."

But one concern raised from the brilliant new product line is the customer service. Since 3M has been a materials firm all along, the new Wind Tape business will force the company to beef up its after sale service pretty quickly.