Wind Energy

Ashland to Supply Resin for Ohio Wind Energy Grant Project

Towers used to support wind turbines might soon be manufactured using resin from Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) rather than steel. A $1.1 million grant by the Ohio Third Frontier Advanced Energy Program is funding collaboration among the University of Dayton Research Institute and Ohio companies Ershigs, WebCore Technologies Inc., the Edison Materials Technology Center (EMTEC) and others to fabricate wind turbine towers from resin supplied by Ashland Performance Materials, a commercial unit of Ashland Inc.

"This is a great opportunity to meet a significant need in this rapidly-growing wind power market," said Cedric Ball, marketing projects leader, Ashland Performance Materials. "Steel towers for large wind turbines have reached size and weight limits for over-the-road transport. Composite towers potentially solve this problem." For more information about Ashland resins used in wind energy applications contact Ball at (614) 790-4161. Work is planned to begin in April.

This is the second wind farm project to tap Ashland as a collaborative partner. Last fall, Ashland announced its participation in the University of Maine’s Offshore Wind Consortium, DeepCwind project that was awarded an $8 million grant from the federal government’s stimulus program.

Ashland Performance Materials is the global leader in unsaturated polyester resins and epoxy vinyl ester resins. In addition, it provides customers with leading technologies in gelcoats, pressure-sensitive and structural adhesives, and metal casting consumables and design services.

Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) provides specialty chemical products, services and solutions for many of the world’s most essential industries. Serving customers in more than 100 countries, it operates through five commercial units: Ashland Aqualon Functional Ingredients, Ashland Hercules Water Technologies, Ashland Performance Materials, Ashland Consumer Markets (Valvoline) and Ashland Distribution. 

www.ashland.com