Gold Sponsor Siemens Energy: The Transition to Renewable Energy
Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA)
Minerals research advancing WA
MRIWA’s Advancing Net Zero Mining WA Conference 2023 is supported by Gold Sponsor, 西门子能源 , a global energy technology company supplying innovative technology solutions that support the transition to decarbonisation in global energy systems.
Ahead of the event on 29-30 August, we had the opportunity to interview the Managing Director Australia,?Vice President Pacific Countries at Siemens Energy, Samuel Rene Morillon , to gain a better understanding of Siemens Energy’s role in renewable energy; their strategic targets, technological innovations, challenges and barriers, and position on global decarbonisation pathways.
Samuel first joined Siemens in 2011 as Vice President of Strategy and Sales, focused on developing and implementing key strategic initiatives and development pipelines for France, Southwest Europe and Africa. In 2017 he was assigned a leadership position as Chief Executive Officer for Siemens SSK Iran. Following the company’s spin-off from Siemens in 2020, he assumed the role as Managing Director for Siemens Energy France where he played a pivotal role in leading the country carve-out proves and setting the strategic direction. Based in Asia Pacific since 2021, he is responsible for driving company performance and leading it to a profitable growth.
Samuel gave us his thoughts on five key questions relevant to Siemens Energy and the net zero transition.
1. What are the key Siemens Energy projects in Australia?
In Robertstown, South Australia, Siemens Energy supplied grid operator Electranet with two synchronous condensers with flywheels for greater grid stability. These help bridge frequency drops that come with the intermittent nature of renewables, thus keeping grids stable and averting the risk of blackouts. Solutions like these make it possible for Electranet to be able to cope with over 50 percent of renewable energy in its grid and are integral in accelerating the uptake of renewables.
Tasmania's power is provided via one of the world's longest submarine cable links that lie on the ocean floor across Bass Strait to mainland Australia. The Siemens Energy and Basslink collaboration integrates cloud connectivity and the Internet of Energy into the Australian HVDC interconnector. Data flows unidirectionally from a site to the cloud, safeguarding the Basslink's HVDC Control system from external exposure.
The delivery of Siemens Energy’s 1.25MW PEM electrolyzer to the Australian Gas Infrastructure Group for the production of green hydrogen remains the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. With the electrolyzer, renewable hydrogen is produced using water and renewable electricity resulting in net zero emissions. Currently installed at Hydrogen Park South Australia (HyPSA), a blend of up to 5 percent clean hydrogen in the existing gas network is supplied to 4,000 homes nearby since 2021.
2. What is the target for Siemens Energy’s own operations for greenhouse gas emissions?
Siemens Energy is committed to decarbonisation along our value chain in line with a 1.5°C pathway. Central to this is our target to become climate neutral in our own operations by 2030 through 100% renewable energy by 2023 and a 46% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 2025. These targets are validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), ensuring alignment with the Paris Agreement. Siemens Energy has already exceeded our FY25 targets, driven by a strong focus on green electricity.
The SBTi also verified that Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) emissions reduction targets (Scope 1 and 2) are aligned with the 1.5°C Paris Agreement, having already achieved climate neutrality in its own operations back in 2019.
SGRE plans to achieve Scope 1 and 2 neutrality without offsets by 2030, employing measures like the use of renewable energy, energy reduction efforts, green mobility and employee engagement.
SGRE now aims to go beyond carbon neutrality to become a carbon sink (carbon positive) in its own operations by 2040, employing methods such as cultivating CO2-absorbing microalgae. Additionally, SGRE is aiming for a zero-emission supply chain by 2040.
3. What is the impact of Siemens Energy products on Scope 3 emissions?
The SBTi has validated our GHG reduction target for the use phase of our products (Scope 3), aiming for a 28% reduction by 2030. This category is crucial as 99% of our emissions fall within it. We prioritize collaboration with customers and stakeholders for their energy transition and decarbonisation efforts. In the reporting period, Siemens Energy's Scope 3 emissions from product use totalled 1.32 billion metric tons CO2e, showing a 3% decrease in total emissions and a 17% decrease in intensity compared to FY21. The decrease is primarily due to our coal exit decision, which resulted in no new tenders for coal-fired power plants. However, strong order intake for large and industrial gas turbines offsets the positive impact.
Alongside the coal exit, we are implementing measures like energy efficiency, digitalization, renewable energy promotion, electrification, and GHG-free products such as SF6-free blue Gas Insulated Switchgear. We also explore emission removal technologies like carbon capture and storage.
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4. What is the biggest technical barrier to the move to renewable energy?
I believe that one of the biggest technical barriers to the transition to renewable energy is the issue of grid integration and stability. Our power grids have traditionally been designed to accommodate steady and predictable energy generation from fossil fuel sources, whereas renewable energy sources like solar and wind are intermittent in nature.
The challenge lies in effectively integrating and balancing the variable output of renewable sources with the demands of the grid. This requires advanced technologies and smart grid solutions that can manage fluctuations in supply and demand in real-time. Grid stability becomes particularly crucial as the share of renewable energy increases.
Storage technologies such as batteries, play a vital role in addressing this barrier by storing excess renewable energy during periods of high generation and releasing it during times of low generation. This helps in maintaining a stable and reliable power supply.
Another significant technical barrier is the need for robust and efficient transmission infrastructure to transport renewable energy from areas with high renewable resources to population centres, which is especially salient in Australia with its vast geography. Building and upgrading transmission lines requires substantial investments and can face regulatory and community challenges.
Addressing these technical barriers requires collaboration between industry, government, and research institutions to develop innovative solutions, promote technological advancements, and implement supportive policies and regulations. By overcoming these challenges, we can accelerate the transition to renewable energy and achieve a sustainable and low-carbon future.
5. What is the difference between Australian and European decarbonisation paths?
Australia and the European Union have different decarbonisation paths due to their unique geographies, demographics, and economies. Australia, with its abundant land, natural resources, and renewable energy potential, can become a renewable energy exporter. On the other hand, the EU aims to reduce reliance on Russian natural gas and plans to import green hydrogen alongside domestic production.
Despite these differences, there are complementary opportunities for collaboration. Siemens Energy, with its comprehensive portfolio of energy solutions, is ready to support both Australia and the EU in achieving their climate goals. This requires enabling policies and incentives from governments.
Together with partner Edify Energy, Siemens Energy is gratified to receive the endorsement and support from the German government as part of the HyGATE initiative for its implementation of innovative green hydrogen solutions in Northern Queensland, Australia. We are also partnering with universities to conduct research which complements this project.
This is a powerful demonstration of the potential of cross-collaboration (bilateral, government private and between energy stakeholders) to catalyze decisive action. By acting in concert with likeminded partners, we are committed to driving the global energy transition and strengthening Australia’s position as a hydrogen hub. Let's seize these opportunities and shape tomorrow's world today!
Advancing Net Zero Mining WA Conference 2023
The Advancing Net Zero Mining Conference takes place on August 29 and 30 in Perth, Western Australia. To hear more on the transition to renewable energy, Thorsten Krol , Senior Key Expert for grid stability and sustainable energy systems at Siemens Energy will share his expertise on key considerations for energy system design and low carbon intensity steel making relevant to the Western Australian economy.
During a Plenary presentation on 29 August: ‘Global Energy Value Chains – Design Considerations for Heat Efficiency, Resilient Grids and Fuel Shifting’, Thorsten will discuss the advantages of mapping the energy value chain and what the system design considerations are that can enable and incentivise decarbonisation.
Returning on day two, during the Low Carbon Processing stream, Thorsten will then consider ‘Sustainable Metals’ and how the world can support the EU’s commitment to produce and use low carbon intensity steel. Join us to learn about pathways to produce sustainable metals, how the EU is responding, and what opportunities exist for Australia to participate.
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1 年Thanks for sharing, Bec Grice. I particularly like the point in the article about the difference between Australian and European decarbonsation paths - and the different challenges faced by each.