Siemens diamond sponsorship at CEPSI 2018 is an affirmation of our proven technologies and innovations that continue to guide what we do for the people, the nation and the region

Data algorithm, digital substations and integrated energy management platforms – these are some of the exciting forefront of new technologies that beckon for the future of grid stability and security as well as energy sustainability in the long-run. These very technologies are the crux of support for TNB’s underlying plans to invest some RM18.8bil over the next 3 years for transmission and distribution grid capacity, including RM2.7bil for its Grids of the Future proposal. In Siemens, TNB has found a partner that can deliver not just all of the technologies above, but which is currently rolling out some 340,000 smart meters in Malacca under the ongoing Siemens EnergyIP solution for smart meter data management to help TNB cut back on their metering operational cost and non-technical losses in the subsequent phases.

The EnergyIP Smart Meter Data Management was one of the showcase highlights by Siemens at its prime exhibition pavilion space at the Conference of the Electric Power Supply Industry (CEPSI) 2018, themed ‘Reimagining Utility of the Future’ held from Sept 17 to Sept 22 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The event is reputed to be the most prestigious and one of the biggest to be organized for the electricity supply industry in Asia Pacific, of which Siemens is the Diamond Sponsor and TNB as the host of the event this year. Siemens high-profile participation in the event is about demonstrating its digitalization and smart energy strength across the entire value chain, and how carbon emissions (from energy consumption as one of the major causes) can be cut down in the long-term through advanced and smart technology solutions that reduce need for resources and increase efficiency of power generation, energy production and electricity distribution. In fact, TNB has outlined plans of installing a total of 1.2mil smart meters in Klang Valley following the pilot phase that was carried out by Siemens in Malacca. This only bodes good news for Siemens as the primary technology partner, in which various other solutions through its EnergyIP platform can be realized, such as the time-of-use tariffs, smart pre-payment and demand response besides enabling end users to monitor and manage their personal usage via a complementary customer portal.

The event was graced by VIP Guest-of-Honor The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, as well as the Minister of Energy, Technology, Science, Climate Change and Environment YB Yeo Bee Yin who had a walkabout earlier in the morning. Siemens Malaysia President & CEO Mr Indranil Lahiri, who was the Keynote Speaker on Day 1 of the conference’s opening ceremony, said the energy sector is undergoing a transition with unprecedented technological advancements in light that clean energy and a low-carbon future are the emerging agenda for the economy and the industry.

“Renewable resources are heralding the future of energy and starting to revolutionise many sectors, replacing coal and fossil fuels. What's also evident is that the shifting energy landscape will influence the quality of electricity supply. For industries, changes in equipment and technological processes are increasingly significant – besides the use of newer and more efficient power electronics and energy-storage technologies, the need to safeguard against system failure and to protect people and assets are important aspects of the supply security issue.

“For infrastructure providers and power producers, areas like energy data management and resource optimisation are the new metrics and targets which can be only achieved through accurate and efficient data analysis powered by enablers of digitalization. At Siemens, we whole-heartedly support customers to leverage on this changing landscape to increase openness and interoperability,” said Mr Indranil. His presentation titled ‘New Landscape of Energy Infrastructure – Striding Together with the Right Technology Partner’, touched on the 3 main drivers of the energy revolution, which are Decarbonization, Decentralization and Digitalization; the energy demand outlook for South East Asia, some best examples of breakthrough technologies that are revolutionizing energy systems at breakneck speed, and  the transmission and distribution grid solutions as well as asset management and digital services.

Meanwhile, Siemens also showcased its various other solutions including the Siemens Intelligent Plant Equipment Health Monitoring System which is a cloud-based innovation developed for remote diagnostic, predictive and prescriptive monitoring for OEM and O-OEM equipments for power, oil & gas, and the general industry; the Siemens Remote On-Site Service Streaming for virtual and real-time information sharing of field service works, as well as the most efficient and advanced HL-Class gas turbines for power plants – of which  Siemens has previously installed 6 of the earlier generation H-Class gas turbines in Malaysia for the TNB Prai Combined Cycle Power Plant in Penang, and Petronas Pengerang Co-generation Power Plant in Johor. 

Additionally, several side initiatives were also organized by Siemens for its customers that included product pitch presentation sessions on Day 1 and Day 2 on topics of ‘Paving the way for the next level of efficiency’, ‘Electrification of power grids’ and ‘Automation and digitalization in grid energy management’.  A slew of technical paper presentations by local and international Siemens invited experts on subjects like energy storage technologies and hybrid power-generation solutions were also carried out, followed by an all-exclusive Siemens Customer Networking Dinner for valued business partners within the energy fraternity.

With TNB aiming for a 30% reserve margin in the foreseeable future, this additional capacity based on power demand expectations and sources of power will require large power generation projects to be continuously installed at the most efficient and sustainable levels. Siemens’ narrative of support towards this aim is grounded by not just our competencies, but the commitment and trust that customers like TNB have placed upon us, from adherence to the delivery timeline of projects, compliance to work quality and safety, to the pursuit of excellence by harnessing the cohesive partnership between humans and technology.