1. energy Industry
Impact of Silicones
2016

2. What Are Silicones?
Silicones are a family of specialty, high-performance materials. The silicone family includes siloxanes and silanes, all of which are widely used in thousands of products
Due to their molecular structure, silicones can be manufactured in many forms including:
solids
liquids
semi-viscous pastes
greases
oils
rubber
Silicones have an exceptional breadth of chemical and physical properties. Silicones are flexible and resist moisture, chemicals, heat, cold and ultraviolet radiation. Products made with silicones take on these and other important properties so they are more stable, more aesthetically pleasing, easier to use or apply, and longer lasting
Energy Industry
2016

3. Industry
Silicones manufacturing alone directly employs about 30,000 people worldwide, evenly distributed between Europe, the Americas, and Asia
Significantly greater numbers apply to downstream employment- it is estimated that up to 14 million employees may be involved in some form of economic activity that involves silicone products across the globe
1.7 million people in Europe
2.3 million people in the Americas
10 million people in Asia
Energy Industry
2016

4. Energy
A total of 42,000 tons of silicone product was sold to the energy market in 2013, generating sales of $280 million.
185,000 tons of silicone product was sold for use in antifoaming agents in oil and gas and other industrial processes manufacturing
Significant numbers of people are employed in the oil and gas industry
280,000 jobs in the US
195,000 jobs in Canada
450,000 jobs in Brazil
89,300 jobs in Europe
Energy Industry
2016

5. Energy
Activities related to solar PV technology account for about 2.5 million jobs globally, with increases expected.
The wind energy sector employs more than 1 million people globally. Employment numbers in the wind sector are expected to double by 2030
In China alone, solar energy capacity is planned to increase from around 20 GW to 100 GW by By 2030, it’s expected that the solar energy market will reach $5 trillion of cumulative revenue
Energy Industry
2016

6. Energy: General
Silicones are used as conductive adhesives and encapsulants in the manufacturing of solar panels
Their resistance to UV radiation and superior transparency improve panel efficiency, while their mechanical and chemical properties reduce repair costs and ensures panels last longer
Silicones are used as bonding agents in manufacturing wind turbines, increasing the durability and weather resistance of rotor blades and other components. They are also used as insulators for cables and transformers used in electricity transmission and distribution
Silicone antifoams allow for higher extraction rates in the oil and gas industry, reducing water usage and increasing efficiency
By using products made with silicone, you generate on average 9 times less greenhouse gases than were emitted during manufacturing and disposal of that product
Energy Industry
2016

7. Energy: Solar
Silicon is used in some 90% of solar panels, and these silicon-based cells are more efficient than alternatives
Silicones contribute to unit cost reductions in the solar sector, due to the fact that they are/have:
Transparent
Stable
Low reactivity
Temperature and weatherability resistance
Neutral cure (avoids corrosive by-product)
Adhesive quality
Flexibility
Energy Industry
2016

8. Energy: wind
By improving durability and strength and offering low weight, silicones have facilitated larger wind turbines with greater energy potential
Silicone lubricants reduce friction become components, therefore reducing wind turbine maintenance costs and maximizing energy efficiency
Silicones also extend the life of underground cables to up to 20 years, avoiding expensive options such as replacement or rejuvenation
Energy Industry
2016