Q&A: World-record Siemens power technology for the Middle East

Siemens has announced that its H-Class turbine technology has achieved a world-record electrical efficiency and record power generating capacity during a test run in Germany.

Answers by: Dietmar Siersdorfer, CEO, Siemens Middle East and UAE.

1. What is the impact of this world-record technology on the Middle East region?

The region is witnessing unprecedented growth in energy demand. Each country must develop a reliable energy mix which accommodates this growth. By 2030 we expect that more than 65 per cent of the Middle East’s power generation will come from natural gas-fired plants. It therefore makes sense to use fuel and capital for solutions that deliver the most power for the least amount of resource. Our customers expect this, and the economic and environmental benefits are clear. 

We currently see typical power plants connected to the grid with average efficiencies varying between 35 per cent up to 58 per cent. Of course the efficiency levels vary with climatic conditions, but an H-Class power plant capable of operating at more than 61 per cent is a game-changer for the Middle East’s energy mix. 

A world record is an excellent achievement, but as with every record, it will get broken eventually. They are important, but it’s just a number. For customers, it’s even more important how this technology measures up in large-scale operation. It’s the overall package that counts. We have firm orders for 76 H-Class turbines, and there are already 17 in commercial use with more than 195,000 hours of operation worldwide. This is a thoroughly tested and proven technology that already works in practically every corner of the globe. And it’s just broken the world record for efficiency – again. We are not only offering a record-breaking product. We are offering customers peace of mind.

Statistics show that a single H-Class turbine in combined cycle can produce enough power to provide electricity to more than 2 million people. It represents an extraordinary leap forward in gas-fired power generation. 

1. Where in the Middle East does Siemens see the potential application of H-Class technology?

The power plants we are currently constructing in Egypt already indicate there is significant interest in this technology. Countries to which H-Class technology are well-suited are characterized by high projected increases in electricity demand, large-scale grids and an expectation to retire ageing power generation infrastructure in the near future. Egypt, UAE, Qatar and Oman are all good examples of countries to which this technology can make a significant contribution to an efficient, reliable and increasingly sustainable future energy mix.

1. How does the H-Class fit into the Siemens portfolio in the region?

The needs of our customers in the region are as variable as our portfolio; it’s essential to select the right technology for the requirements. Our portfolio is focused on energy efficiency at all sizes, in order to suit a wide range of applications. The H-Class is a valuable addition to our technology portfolio in the Middle East.