Siemens 2008 Annual Report Download - page 59

Products and solutions – Energy Sector 53
Power distribution grids have great potential for improved efciency – beneting the bottom line
and the environment alike. One of our innovations, SIPLINK – a medium-voltage direct-current
grid link – can connect distribution grids with differing parameters. For example, a ship with a
60-hertz electrical system can connect to a 50-hertz shoreside power grid, eliminating the need to
run the vessel’s engines in harbor to generate on-board power – and reducing CO2 emissions by
up to 12 tons per ship per day. The Smart Grid, an intelligent network for which we are providing
all the key products and solutions, is expected to redene the future of power distribution. The
system, which synchronizes and controls itself, enables customers to feed energy into their grids
from various generating sources. Smart Grids also respond to specic situations. For example,
they automatically boost power ows when loads increase. What’s more, they enable real-time
communication between consumers and utilities, allowing more efcient use of grid capacity.
Our portfolio covers the entire medium-voltage range – from under one kilovolt to 52 kilovolts.
As the global market leader in energy automation systems, we support customers with innovative
protection and automation technology for all types of power transmission and distribution grids.
With our air- and gas-insulated medium-voltage switchgear and equipment, we’re a preferred
partner to utility companies. We also offer a full range of services for transport and distribution
grids. Our technical services for systems and components and our grid planning service are
among the best in the world.
We’re expanding our leading industry position worldwide by making further investments, particu-
larly in high-growth regions outside Europe. Growth in the global energy market is being fueled
by demand from conventional power utilities and, increasingly, from companies in energy-inten-
sive industries – like oil and gas, chemicals and metalworking – as they build up their power infra-
structures. As the world’s installed base of power distribution systems ages, demand for services,
upgrades and replacements will also grow. At the same time, the massive development of renew-
able energy sources will drive major investments in existing grid infrastructures. In growth mar-
kets such as China and India, we’re supporting the rapid expansion of power infrastructure with
our products and services.
Power Distribution
Ralf Christian
CEO
www.siemens.com/energy
Our array of worldwide offerings includes components and solu-
tions for energy automation, medium-voltage distribution systems
and a wide range of services for power transmission and distribu-
tion grids and electrical systems.