Fueling Change: Why Energy Demands Spark a Surge in Specialty Metals
- March 31, 2025
- 8 min
Powering the Future
The energy industry is currently navigating a period of intense demand for reliable materials, especially with the rise of renewable and nuclear energy projects and infrastructure upgrades in sectors like oil, gas, and utilities.
Key material needs include Specialty Metals, Gratings, and Fiberglass that can adequately meet the demands of its rising growth.
Diving into Energy Trends and Insights
In this fast-paced industry, it is important to have access to materials that can meet the requirements of energy production and storage, especially when those requirements are constantly evolving.
Here are a few trends to keep at the top of mind:
Renewable Energy Expansion
- Trend: The growth in wind, solar, and hydro energy installations requires durable, corrosion-resistant materials that can withstand various environmental conditions.
As demand for renewable energy grows, projects like wind farms, solar arrays, and hydroelectric facilities are multiplying. These installations need materials that can withstand harsh environmental conditions over long periods.
Specialty Metals, such as Aluminum and Stainless Steel Perforated and Expanded Metal, Wire Mesh, and Bar and Plank Grating, offer filtration and ventilation, corrosion resistance, and ensure long-lasting durability.
Additionally, Stainless Steel contains elements that offer resistance to heat, fire, and liquids containing chlorides. Meanwhile, Fiberglass Grating is popular for its lightweight, corrosion-resistant properties, which are ideal for coastal and offshore applications.
Modernization of Energy Infrastructure
- Trend: Aging infrastructure requires updates for safety and efficiency, especially in nuclear and thermal power plants.
Many energy facilities, particularly in nuclear and thermal power, are overdue for upgrades to improve efficiency and meet safety standards.
Structural materials with proper finishing and fabrication, like Expanded Metal and Wire Mesh provide the strength and reliability essential for these environments, especially in high-heat applications. Panels can divide workspaces without isolating the individual areas and allow for visibility and airflow.
They also act as a noise canceler for pipes and other objects that produce loud sounds and echoes, keeping workspaces quieter.
Grating products, well-known for their slip resistance and industrial load bearings, are integral for walkways, maintenance platforms, and safety zones.
Increased Safety and Efficiency Standards
- Trend: There’s a focus on implementing materials that enhance safety in hazardous energy production areas, like oil refineries and chemical plants.
In industries like oil refining and chemical processing, safety is paramount. Companies are turning to slip-resistant Fiberglass and Metal Gratings for improved safety on maintenance platforms, gangways, and walkways.
Specialty Metals are also favored in these hazardous environments for their fire resistance and structural stability. Durable materials that have higher load capabilities, such as Stainless and Carbon Steel, typically feature certain Gratings.
The need for ADA-compliant materials is also a key focus. There are three fundamental requirements for a Grating, Decking, or Flooring surface to meet ADA standards for accessible design:
- Slip Resistance: For a Flooring product to qualify as ADA compliant, a static coefficient of friction with a value of at least 0.60 must exist in order to be a certified product for slip resistance.
- Height Transitions: In order to allow for comfortable movement between Decking or Flooring types, height transitions for finished or installed floors cannot exceed 1/4".
- Opening Sizes: Openings in ADA-compliant flooring products cannot allow the passage of a sphere greater than 1/2" in diameter. In order for Grating or Flooring products to qualify for ADA-compliant applications, elongated openings must be placed or installed perpendicular to the dominant direction of travel.
As part of that law, the ADA establishes accessibility requirements for construction and alterations of government facilities, public spaces, and commercial facilities. McNICHOLS stocks a wide range of ADA-compliant Bar Grating, Plank Grating, Fiberglass Grating, and Decking & Flooring products.
Environmental Compliance and Sustainability
- Trend: Companies aim to reduce their environmental impact through sustainable material sourcing and eco-friendly production processes.
With a focus on eco-friendly practices, energy companies increasingly seek sustainable materials that align with their environmental goals.
Metals like Stainless Steel and Aluminum are recyclable and long-lasting, helping to reduce waste over time. As these products are highly durable, they offer longevity and low maintenance, saving time and costs on maintenance and repairs.
You can also use them as sun protection screens to enhance the shade. Installation of these panels can save money on heating and cooling and other costs that you might incur when attempting to improve ventilation in your space. Additionally, Fiberglass Grating offers a low environmental footprint from production through end-of-life.
Energizing Growing Needs
Sheet Metals and Gratings have long been essential to industries like mining, oil, and gas. However, with the shift toward renewable energy and electric infrastructure, the demand for these materials is rising even further. These products are critical in building resilient and sustainable infrastructure for solar panels, wind turbines, and EV charging stations.
As trends develop, the demand for Specialty Metals is expected to rise accordingly as energy projects focus on resilience, sustainability, and safety.
Visit our website to explore our full range of solutions designed to meet the industry's changing needs.