Renewable Energy
Renewable energy systems demand materials that can deliver long-term reliability in harsh operating environments, while supporting efficiency, durability, and reduced maintenance requirements.
Fluorocarbon supports OEMs and operators across the renewable energy sector with high-performance polymer materials, precision-machined components, and advanced surface coatings engineered for demanding applications.
Key capabilities include:
- High-performance materials for offshore, hydrogen, solar, and energy storage applications
- Resistance to moisture, UV exposure, temperature variation, and chemical interaction
- Precision CNC-machined components for critical renewable energy systems
- Solutions designed for continuous mechanical loading and long service intervals
- Expertise in material selection, engineering support, and emerging renewable technologies
- Improved durability, reduced maintenance, and enhanced operational efficiency
Renewable Energy Typical Requirements
Fluorocarbon supplies precision PTFE Bearing Pads and Engineered Polymer Components for canned motor pump systems supporting Nuclear Energy infrastructure and other low-carbon power generation applications.
Renewable Energy Applications
Operating Environments & Engineering Challenges
Hydrogen applications demand materials that maintain sealing integrity while resisting permeation and chemical interactions.
Our Solutions Include:
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High-Pressure Sealing Components for hydrogen compression systems
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Valve Seats & Sealing Systems for hydrogen process equipment
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PTFE & PCTFE Components for cryogenic hydrogen applications
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Bearing & Wear Components for compressors and pumps
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Precision-Machined Polymer Components for hydrogen infrastructure
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Low-Permeability Sealing Solutions for hydrogen-handling systems
Challenges Include:
- Hydrogen permeation and leakage risks
- High pressures and temperature variation
- Chemical compatibility and material stability
- Maintaining long-term sealing performance
Recommended Materials:
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PCTFE → Extremely low permeability and excellent dimensional stability
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PTFE → Chemical resistance and sealing reliability
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PEEK → Structural strength in high-pressure environments
Material selection depends on hydrogen permeability, operating pressure, temperature, sealing performance and equipment service life. Learn more about What Materials to Use for Your Hydrogen Application.
Sealing the Future: High-Performance Polymers in Hydrogen Systems
As the world accelerates toward cleaner energy, hydrogen has emerged as a key player in the global transition. Yet, producing, storing, and transporting hydrogen safely requires materials that can withstand one of the most demanding operating environments in engineering.
Among these challenges, effective sealing stands out as a critical factor, and this is where advanced polymers make the difference.
Operating Environments & Engineering Challenges
Battery and energy storage systems require materials that provide insulation, chemical resistance, and structural integrity.
Our Solutions Include:
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Insulating Components for battery modules
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Sealing Components for battery cooling systems
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Precision-Machined Polymer Parts for energy storage equipment
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Bearing & Wear Components for automated handling equipment
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Fluid Management Components for thermal control systems
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Lightweight Structural Support Components
Challenges Include:
- Exposure to electrolytes and reactive chemicals
- Thermal management and heat resistance
- Electrical insulation requirements
- Dimensional stability in compact assemblies
Recommended Materials:
- PEEK → Thermal and mechanical performance
- PTFE → Chemical resistance and electrical insulation
- PC (Polycarbonate) → Impact resistance and dimensional stability
Material selection depends on electrical insulation requirements, operating temperature, chemical exposure and mechanical loading. Learn more about What Materials to Use for Your Application.
Powering the Future: High-Performance Polymers in Electrolysers, Fuel Cells, and Energy Storage Systems
As the hydrogen economy scales, materials innovation is becoming just as important as system design. High-performance polymers, with their resistance to extreme conditions, are enabling breakthroughs in electrolysers, fuel cells, and hydrogen storage systems.
These advanced materials offer a powerful combination of chemical resistance, thermal stability, mechanical strength, and gas impermeability, making them ideal for demanding hydrogen applications.
Operating Environments & Engineering Challenges
Wind turbine systems and associated infrastructure, including monopile transportation and installation, require materials that can withstand extreme loads, enable controlled movement, and withstand long-term environmental exposure.
Subsea components support structural loads and enable controlled movement in offshore renewable installations.
From pitch and yaw systems to the handling and transport of large structural components such as monopiles, reliable performance is critical to ensure safe installation, accurate positioning, and efficient operation.
Our Solutions Include:
- Bearing & Wear Components for turbine mechanisms
- Bushes & Guide Components for pitch and yaw systems
- Sealing Solutions for hydraulic systems
- Low-Friction Components for heavy-duty movement
- Precision-Machined Polymer Components for turbine assemblies
- Wear Components for transportation and installation equipment
Challenges Include:
- Extremely high load-bearing requirements during transport and installation
- Continuous mechanical loading and cyclic stress in operational systems
- Exposure to moisture, UV, and offshore marine environments
- Friction and wear in sliding and interface components
- Maintaining dimensional stability and positional accuracy over time
Recommended Materials:
- PEEK → High mechanical strength and fatigue resistance for structural and load-bearing components
- Filled PTFE compounds → Low friction and enhanced wear resistance for sliding interfaces and skid systems
- PA (Nylon) → High load capacity and toughness for wear pads and transportation supports
Material selection depends on mechanical loading, environmental exposure, wear performance and expected service life. Learn more about What Materials to Use for Your Application.
Case Study: Support Clamp Bearing Pads
The client requested an Elastomeric material with high friction and high load bearing capacity for use in the transportation of large diameter monopoles for offshore wind turbines.
Fluorocarbon manufactured a range of Support Clamp Bearing Pads utilising our FL491 material to be used in the pipe support cradles; typical monopiles have a diameter of 6.5 meters and a weight of 1000 tonnes.
Operating Environments & Engineering Challenges
Components used in solar manufacturing and installation must support high throughput while maintaining cleanliness and durability.
Our Solutions Include:
- Bearing & Guide Components for automated panel handling systems
- Wear Strips & Sliding Components for conveyor equipment
- Precision-Machined Polymer Components for manufacturing equipment
- Low-Friction Support Components for positioning systems
- Cable Management & Routing Components
- Structural Support & Interface Components
Challenges Include:
- Repetitive motion and wear in handling systems
- Exposure to outdoor environmental conditions
- Requirement for lightweight, durable materials
- Minimising contamination and surface damage
Recommended Materials:
- UHMWPE → Excellent wear resistance and low friction for handling systems
- PTFE → Non-stick properties and environmental resistance
- PET → Dimensional stability and mechanical performance
Material selection depends on operating environment, mechanical loading, wear characteristics and long-term environmental exposure. Learn more about What Materials to Use for Your Application.
How is PTFE used in the solar Industry?
PTFE (also referred to as Teflon) is extremely resistant to the elements. Unlike other plastics’ UV resistance that can become brittle and crack when exposed to UV radiation, PTFE remains flexible and durable, making it ideal for many applications, such as protecting exterior components from rain, snow, dirt, and other environmental conditions.
The solar panel manufacturing industry uses PTFE because it is able to stay intact when exposed to ultraviolet light and extreme temperatures up to 260°C.
Material Challenges in the Hydrogen Economy – And How to Overcome Them
As the world accelerates toward decarbonisation, hydrogen is emerging as a critical enabler of the clean energy transition.
With its potential to fuel everything from vehicles to industrial processes, hydrogen offers an attractive pathway to net-zero emissions. However, realising the full potential of the hydrogen economy comes with a complex set of materials challenges, many of which can make or break performance, safety, and long-term viability.
