Zoltek Cos. said Wednesday that it is joining with a Dutch company to accelerate design and manufacture of wind turbine blades. Global Blade Technology of Utrecht, the Netherlands, and Bridgeton-based Zoltek have entered into a technology and marketing agreement, Zoltek said. The Dutch company offers design, engineering, development and manufacturing assistance to wind turbine and turbine blade manufacturers. Zoltek will offer its carbon fibers to GBT clients who seek design assistance in production of "super-long blades used in the most advanced and powerful wind turbines," the company said. Carbon fibers are used in composite materials, which make stronger, lighter wind turbine blades.

with permission of St. Louis Post-Dispatch ©September 2009