The invention relates to the use of a composite material, comprising a backing layer and a liquid-absorbing layer fixed on the backing layer, the liquid-absorbing layer containing fixed superabsorbent particles, there being, on the side of the liquid-absorbing layer facing away from the backing layer, a liquid-distributing layer which is in liquid-conducting contact with the liquid-absorbing layer and absorbs and distributes, in the plane of the composite material, a liquid to be absorbed, for absorbing and distributing liquids in actively- and/or passively-cooled current-carrying systems—in particular, in actively- and/or passively-cooled energy storage systems.