The escalating expenses associated with energy have become a ubiquitous topic in both the media and industry. Private households are already experiencing the effects of increased prices for gasoline, natural gas, and electricity.
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The present global energy crisis has arisen due to a series of issues, such as the pandemic, which reduced global demand for oil and other energy sources. This, in turn, has limited their production.
However, the swift industrial recovery has led to a rapid surge in energy demands and, subsequently, escalated the prices of coal and oil.
In Europe, natural gas dependency is high, and geopolitical conflicts limit availability, causing cost increases for alternatives.
Similar to most companies in the present scenario, Saint-Gobain® Tape Solutions is also affected by these increased prices. Nevertheless, the company is taking all possible measures to manage the situation efficiently to benefit its customers, employees, partners, and suppliers.
The surge in energy costs is one of the driving factors contributing to the current inflation. Energy-intensive industries require immediate and medium-term solutions to stay competitive.
Five Ways Tapes Can Help Reduce Reliance on Energy
Complex situations indeed require thoughtful and strategic approaches. However, by working together towards a common goal, we can overcome challenges and emerge stronger.
Small changes like using energy-efficient technologies and improving insulation can contribute to a more sustainable future by reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint. These steps can also help save money on energy costs and are part of a larger effort toward energy efficiency.
Optimizing Energy Efficiency in Mobility
High-end materials, such as these tapes, can increase the efficiency and range of electric vehicles, reducing energy consumption and promoting clean energy use for a more sustainable future.
Saint-Gobain materials support the transition to electric mobility by improving the efficiency, power density, and safety of EV battery packs. This enables longer reach, durable performance, and increased loading cycles, crucial for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
Saint-Gobain EV solutions feature innovative materials, such as thermal runaway protection, compression pads, and cushioning pads. Designed to advance new electric mobility concepts, they offer increased safety, efficiency, and reliability.
Saint-Gobain electrical insulation tapes use high-end materials Kapton®, Nomex®, or Polyimide to improve EV motor performance. This contributes to the development of reliable and efficient electric vehicles.
EVs can also help reduce the reliance on fossil fuels when charged with renewable energy sources, which is crucial for a sustainable future.
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Increasing Efficiency in Renewable Energy Production with Tapes
Renewable energy sources, such as wind, hydro, and solar power, are increasingly popular as sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, powering various aspects of our daily lives.
Becoming independent from fossil fuels and suppliers has become even more critical with recent world events unfolding.
Saint-Gobain tapes are essential in improving the efficiency of renewable energy production. They optimize windmill output by facilitating the more efficient production of the world's largest wind turbines.
Saint-Gobain special tapes are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, ensuring the durable performance of hydro and solar power generation with minimal maintenance requirements and simplified assembly.
New Energy in Transformation
Renewable energy production is becoming increasingly popular as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, and this trend is expected to continue. However, to make this energy accessible wherever it is needed, it must be transformed and transported.
Saint-Gobain’s electro-mechanical tapes can enhance efficiency and reduce losses in the distribution of renewable energy. These tapes offer new opportunities for modern transformers and energy grids, contributing to a more sustainable future.
These high-end UL-recognized tapes meet challenging electro-mechanical requirements, including chemical compatibility concerns when introducing a new adhesive tape to an oil-filled transformer system. They offer proven chemical compatibility and exceptional performance.
Saint-Gobain technical experts work closely with clients to select the right products that meet design requirements and overcome barriers in the specification-driven market.
Supporting Energy Storage Wherever and Whenever Needed
One of the biggest challenges with renewable energy sources is their intermittent availability, which can pose challenges in meeting demand. To achieve a complete breakthrough in renewable energy, new and powerful energy storage systems are needed.
BESS is becoming more popular due to increased performance, reduced costs, and higher durability. Materials used in EV batteries help to improve the power density, safety, and lifetime of the battery while reducing space requirements.
Energy storage systems, whether on a large scale or optimized for private households, can help to store renewable energy produced during peak times and make it available when and where it is needed for consumption.
Decentralizing energy production and storage can lead to cost reductions, improved grid stability, and increased independence from suppliers. However, the most effective and efficient way to reduce energy costs is to reduce energy consumption altogether.
Saving Energy in Buildings with Tapes
The building and construction sector is energy-intensive, both during the construction phase and over the building's lifetime.
Governments all over Europe encourage industry and private households to reduce their energy consumption, for example, by reducing heat or not heating less commonly used rooms on colder days.
Tapes can act as air barriers, improve insulation performance and contribute to the reduction of thermal bridging. For example, tapes can seal windows and doors, ensuring no air leaks, leading to significant energy savings.
Tapes can also seal gaps and joints in insulation materials, preventing thermal bridging and improving insulation performance.
Low VOC materials in HVAC solutions improve thermal comfort and indoor air quality. Meanwhile, tapes can help create air- and watertight building envelopes, minimizing heat loss.
Strong Bonds for New Energy
Many projects are underway or implemented at the Saint-Gobain Tape Solutions sites in Europe and worldwide to reduce its carbon footprint and energy consumption.
As the work towards achieving the goal of Net Zero Carbon by 2050 is underway, Saint Gobain has taken significant steps to better position itself in dealing with the current energy crisis and rising costs that have shown no signs of abating.
Despite the expected stabilization in 2023, prices will remain significantly higher than before the crisis began, so industry, governments, and households must find new ways to deal with the situation.
Collaborating with trustworthy partners has been crucial in navigating the recent energy crisis. These strong partnerships can lead to material innovations that accelerate changes in the production and consumption of energy.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Saint-Gobain Tape Solutions.
For more information on this source, please visit Saint-Gobain Tape Solutions.