Siemens 2013 Annual Report Download - page 21

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in generating electricity from natural gas from the earlier level of % to %
today. As a result, we now need one-third less natural gas to produce the
same amount of electricity.
Why did OGK- choose Siemens as its partner for this project ?
Denis Bashuk : We first started thinking about repowering the turbine unit
around . There were various technical possibilities, and several companies
submitted interesting offers for turnkey solutions. One argument in favor of
Siemens was that its gas turbines fit in perfectly with our modernization
concept. A high degree of operational reliability was also important to us, and
we were impressed with Siemens’ very good references in this respect. In
previous years, Siemens had built more than a hundred similar turbines,
which were consistently praised by their operators.
You trust us so much that OGK- has commissioned
Siemens to service Unit 6 until 2025.
Denis Bashuk : Yes, that’s in line with our philosophy. We prefer it when the
original manufacturer takes responsibility for maintaining and servicing its
systems. Our contract with Siemens is for twelve years, and we’re confident
that we won’t have any problems with service and maintenance during this
time.
What impact is the upgrade of Unit 6 having on the
environment ?
Denis Bashuk : A very positive one! Since the power plant now utilizes natural
gas much more efficiently than before, we’ve substantially lowered our emis-
sions of carbon dioxide and nitric oxide. What’s more, we no longer need to
burn heavy oil as well in order to generate electricity. Unfortunately, that used
to be the case, particularly during peak load times in the autumn and winter. In
the winter of 2012/2013, just a few months after the upgrade was completed,
we were able to dispense with the use of heavy oil for the first time ever.
As the general manager of a major power plant operator
in Russia, how do you see the sustainable energy mix of
the future ?
Denis Bashuk : To achieve a sustainable energy mix in the European part of our
country, we need to keep improving our efficiency in burning fossil fuels. The
best way to do that is to convert our older steam power plants into advanced
combined cycle power plants. We’ve only recently begun to use this technol-
ogy in Russia. New and upgraded combined cycle power plants are also my
preferred solution for meeting the growing demand for electricity in Russia
while minimizing the consumption of primary energy.
What is OGK-2 planning in this regard ?
Denis Bashuk : We’re truly impressed with the results of Siemens’ upgrade of
Unit 6 at Kirishi. At the moment, OGK-2 is building two new units, at the
Cherepovets and Serov power plants, using combined cycle turbines from
Siemens for both projects. And the construction of a third unit is in the
planning phase.