CIGRE 2018 took place at Paris from August 25th until 31st. Digitalization provides the key to success in the increasingly distributed energy landscape. Siemens experts explained how to make these changing energy systems even more safe and efficient. Digitalization enables predictive planning and new business models beyond just the provision of grid capacity.
Siemens Building Technologies Division is acquiring Building Robotics Inc., a market leader in the fast growing digital workplace experience app domain. The simple-to-use app Comfy enables people to take control of their environment and provides feedback on their space. With this acquisition, Siemens is setting a further milestone in smart building solutions.
Leverage the full potential of renewable resources and local energy solutionsThe energy landscape is changing toward decentralization and independence from the traditional central power supply model – toward an increasingly distributed energy system. This change is characterized by an increase of efficient and affordable renewable power generation solutions – from small to utility scale – as well as combined heat and power (CHP) and storage technologies. The growing utilization of renewable energy sources, the deregulation of markets, and environmental awareness reinforce this shift. Siemens meets this trend by delivering a customer-specific offering such as solutions for local energy, photovoltaic and e-mobility infrastructure as well as low-voltage components.
Under the motto "Digitalize your building," Siemens showed at the light+building trade fair from March 18 to 23, 2018 how commercial buildings can be comfortable while also offering economical operation. Encompassing 1,100 square meters, the Siemens booth featured smart products, solutions and systems. For this, Financial Services from Siemens offers the right financial solution.
On February 5, 2018 in Wunsiedel, Germany, Bavaria's largest battery storage system to date was dedicated by the Managing Director of Stadtwerke Wunsiedel (SWW) Marco Krasser, Secretary of State Franz Josef Pschierer, and Siemens Chief Technology Officer Roland Busch. The Siemens Siestorage system based on lithium-ion batteries has a capacity of 8.4 megawatts. It will ensure the future stability of the distributed power grid and opens up the possibility of the municipal utilities company's participation in the primary control reserve market.
LO3 Energy, an energy-tech company set to disrupt energy grids across the globe, announced an investment from Siemens closing out its series A. In late 2015 Siemens and LO3 started collaborating on projects beginning with the Brooklyn Microgrid. Self-sufficient microgrids play an important role in an energy market that is growing through distributed energy systems — whether they are based on wind, sun, water or biomass — such grids are becoming increasingly significant. LO3 Energy is benefiting from Siemens' development of microgrids such as the one that has been operating in Wildpoldsried, a village in southern Germany, since 2014. While the Brooklyn Microgrid continues to grow, insights from the proliferation of the prosumers and consumers provides Siemens the rationale for building resilient grid systems based on local marketplaces. To date, the initial project has attracted more than 60 community members participating in the Brooklyn Microgrid, and LO3 and Siemens expect to partner on further projects across the globe. Specific terms of the investment were not disclosed.
- Siemens will supply four 400 kV HVDC transformers for cross-channel link
- Efficient 2,000 MW power transmission link between France and the UK will supply up to 3 million homes with electricity
Siemens will deliver four transformers, each with a capacity of 400 kilovolts (kV) and 315 megavolt amperes (MVA), on behalf of the British grid operator National Grid. The grid operator will replace the old transformers in the high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) cross-channel link. The new transformers are quieter, have lower transmission losses and will significantly improve the system's reliability. The HVDC link connects France and England and makes it possible to efficiently exchange energy in both directions. The order includes the supply, installation and commissioning of the transformers for the Sellindge converter station in England. Siemens will complete the work by mid-2019.
Siemens has received an order from the regional grid operator EWE Netz GmbH to supply the key components of a Siharbor shore power supply system in Cuxhaven. The order includes the complete transformer station as well as the cable feed system for ro-ro (roll-on/roll-off) ships. The plant owner will be the northern German Gesellschaft für Hafeninfrastruktur Niedersachsen Ports (NPorts). With a power output of 630 kilowatts (kW), the plant will supply these ships with electricity during their lay time. They will thus be able to turn off their diesel generators, significantly lowering exhaust gas and noise pollution. The berth is located next to the new factory for wind turbines operated by Siemens Gamesa, which will be the plant's main user in the future. Siemens Gamesa will ship wind turbine components to its sister factory in Hull, UK. The Siharbor system is expected to go into operation by April 2018.