Siemens announces technology blueprint to solve energy issues

The provider of global technology-based solutions released the findings of a comprehensive research project and presented a technology blueprint for energy and water sustainability in Australia by 2030.
The research, titled Picture the Future: Australia – Energy and Water (PTF), is the first research in Australia focussing on technology as the enabler for a sustainable future. It is the culmination of work done in Australia and Germany involving numerous Siemens researchers and a validation process with 22 of Australia’s leading industry bodies including the CSIRO, ABARE, the Bureau of Meteorology, The Clean Energy Council, as well as numerous universities and learned institutions.
Siemens Australia representatives led by its chairman and managing director, Albert Goller, presented the research findings at an event in Melbourne, together with Paul Graham from the CSIRO and Chris Davis from the University of Technology Sydney.
Goller explained how Australia’s challenges can be overcome by technology: “We have many enviable opportunities in Australia such as our abundance of natural resources, and Australia has the potential to be at the forefront of technology. Even the possibility of being a net exporter of clean electricity is realistic for Australia. Implementing technologies will not only help create a sustainable future, but also new skills and job opportunities in remote regions, whilst providing economic growth.”
He has a vision for Australia’s energy future, where Australians use and export clean electricity due to the integration of the electricity grid in Australia and possibly even South East Asia.
“I also picture a future where Australians are committed to energy efficiency as a way of life, even in the way we travel,” said Goller.
“Australia has always had the choice to pursue an economically and environmentally sustainable future – and, even in the midst of global and local challenges…these choices are still available for us to fulfil immediately.”
Commenting on the significance of the research, Paul Graham from the CSIRO said: "Siemens’ Picture the Future research provides valuable targets for using Australian-based greenhouse gas abatement options in the energy and transport sectors that simultaneously enhance our industrial base while addressing climate change. It helps us imagine how we can transform our electricity sector in a way that enhances its role in the economy as well as its contribution to greenhouse gas reduction.”

Key Findings for Energy:
In order to achieve the 2020 target of 5 per cent below 2000 greenhouse gas emissions, Siemens recommends that Australia needs to invest AUD$60 billion over the next 10 years in renewable and low CO2 generation technologies while simultaneously undertaking aggressive energy efficiency measures.
. The key issue for Australia in coming decades is the achievement of greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.
. The 2020 target of a reduction of 5% below the 2000 green house gas emission level actually equates to a 47% reduction below the level of emissions that will occur by 2020 if no action is taken to mitigate emissions - this presents a significant technical and financial challenge.
. In order to achieve the 2020 target of 5% below 2000 greenhouse gas emissions, Siemens recommends that Australia needs to invest AUD$60 billion over the next 10 years in renewable and low CO2 generation technologies while simultaneously undertaking aggressive energy efficiency measures.
. Siemens’ PTF technology blueprint for energy includes:
- Efficient and low emission power generation
- Renewables (solar, wind, geothermal)
- Advanced transmission and distribution including smart grid technologies
- Electrified transportation
- Efficient energy use
. According to Siemens’ PTF, many of the technologies required are already available. For example, a solar power station sized at 30 x 30 km in central Australia would meet the national electricity demand during daylight hours. Use of such technology would allow Australia to become an exporter of clean electricity.
. By 2030 around 20 percent of vehicles will be electric or hydrogen-based, fuelled by electricity generated from renewable sources.
. Carbon capture technology will be proven by 2020. The construction of new high efficiency coal and gas fired power plants, combined with carbon capture and storage technologies will provide a strong future for fossil power generation.