Scots wind energy specialist Edge Solutions has signed a ten-year exclusive supply agreement with global materials company INEOS Styrolution.
The Edinburgh-based firm has developed a patented system, called Armour Edge, which repairs and protects the leading edge of wind turbine blades from erosion – a significant issue for operational onshore and offshore windfarms.
Their product is a custom-fitted modular shield which uses a bespoke version of INEOS’s ultra-tough Luran® SC thermoplastic material, designed specifically for wind turbine blades.
Launched commercially in 2020, the company now has a growing Armour Edge order book worldwide, with repeat orders from early customers including RWE and the German offshore wind farm Riffgat, with a number of clients now looking to increase the amount of coverage per blade.
Last year the specialist completed a £multi-million raise to take on key hires and fuel the company’s expansion plans. The two companies have been working in tandem for many years and the new exclusivity agreement extends Edge Solutions’ sole global rights to use Luran SC in leading edge protection (LEP) applications for the next decade, and on a rolling annual basis thereafter.
“This agreement cements our position as a significant player in the LEP market and underlines the strength of our long-term partnership with INEOS Styrolution,” says Edge Solutions Managing Director David Urch.
“There is growing recognition from installers, operators and OEMs of the value of our product – both in ease of application and in durability, with potential to use Armour Edge as part of a proactive maintenance strategy. We look forward to announcing significant new customer orders in the months ahead.
“We are delighted to continue our successful collaboration with INEOS Styrolution,” Urch concludes.
Andreas Kolf, Business Development Manager at INEOS Styrolution adds:
“We are very excited to work with the very motivated and ambitious team at Edge Solutions. The fact that our material contributes to the production of renewable energy adds a new facet to our own commitment to sustainability.”