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Energy-saving and emission reduction have become critical and urgent priorities for China’s current economic and social development. The Chinese government has placed great emphasis on these issues, and industries across the board are actively engaging in initiatives to support sustainable growth. During the "Eleventh Five-Year Plan," China set clear targets for energy conservation and emissions reduction by 2010. At the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party, General Secretary Hu Jintao introduced the concept of building an ecological civilization, elevating environmental protection to a new level.
How do foreign companies view China's efforts in energy conservation and emissions reduction, and what strategies are they implementing? In 2007, Siemens held a press conference in Beijing, where Hao Ruiqiang, President and CEO of Siemens China, announced a 5 billion yuan investment in technological innovation related to energy efficiency and environmental protection. The company aimed to bring its most advanced technologies to China, positioning itself as a leader in this field and supporting the country’s goal of achieving balanced economic and environmental development.
As one of the earliest and most influential foreign companies in China, Siemens has drawn significant attention. Recently, *China Economic Weekly* interviewed Peter Herweck, Executive Vice President of Siemens China Ltd. and President of the Automation and Drives Group, known as He Weike in Chinese, about how Siemens collaborates with China on energy-saving and emission reduction initiatives.
Siemens’ Energy Saving Concept
He Weike emphasized that energy conservation is a global concern, with widespread consensus on the importance of reducing energy consumption and protecting the environment. In recent years, the Chinese government has prioritized energy efficiency, prompting companies like Siemens to work closely with local authorities to develop tailored solutions that minimize energy use across various sectors.
Siemens' business in China focuses primarily on energy, industry, and healthcare. For instance, its Automation and Drives (A&D) division, a leading supplier of industrial automation systems, serves industries such as steel, automotive, and power—sectors closely linked to energy efficiency. The company has invested over 2 billion euros in R&D for environmental solutions, with 30,000 of its 62,000 patents focused on environmental protection. These innovations have the potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 10 billion tons annually.
According to He Weike, energy efficiency should be approached from two angles: developing energy-efficient products and ensuring they help customers save energy in practical applications. He highlighted that industrial motors, which often run at constant speeds, represent a major opportunity for energy savings. By optimizing motor performance, Siemens can significantly reduce energy waste.
In terms of market performance, Siemens reported global orders of 14.1 billion euros in the previous fiscal year, with China ranking third globally after Germany and the United States. He Weike stated that China remains a key strategic market for Siemens, and the company is committed to delivering advanced products and promoting energy-saving concepts to drive the development of China’s automation industry.
"Contributing to China’s environmental protection is an honor for us," He Weike said. In fiscal year 2007, Siemens China achieved rapid sales growth of 21%, reaching 53.3 billion yuan in sales and 6.07 billion yuan in new orders, driven by both new investments and expansion of existing businesses.
Looking ahead, Siemens set a strategic target called “2010 Acceleration,†aiming for 100 billion yuan in new orders by 2010, with a strong focus on energy conservation and environmental protection. Notable projects include the Huaneng Yuhuan coal-fired power plant, where Siemens’ supercritical technology achieves a 45% power generation efficiency, and the UHV DC transmission system from Yunnan to Guangdong, capable of transmitting 5 million kilowatts at 800 kV.
In addition, Siemens launched the world’s first fully integrated security protection product, the SINAMICS G120, which offers high technical advantages and features energy-saving regeneration functions. This innovation is expected to open new markets in China’s standard drive sector.
Innovative Energy-Saving Cooperation Model
Siemens has signed comprehensive cooperation agreements with several provinces, including Shanghai, Shandong, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Shenzhen, to promote energy-saving and emission-reduction initiatives. One example is the "Green Commercial Building" project in Shanghai, which applies advanced energy-saving designs, such as double-glazing, water-saving systems, and ice storage technology, to reduce energy consumption in buildings.
Beyond commercial real estate, Siemens also aims to implement energy-saving solutions in intelligent communities, transportation systems, and medical equipment to improve citizens’ quality of life. He Weike expressed hope for more supportive policies from the government to facilitate deeper collaboration with local enterprises. He introduced the Energy-Saving Performance Guarantee Contract (ESPC), a new model designed to reduce risks while achieving energy savings. Although the approval process may be complex, he remains optimistic about the success of such partnerships.
Overall, Siemens continues to play a vital role in China’s journey toward sustainable development, combining innovation, collaboration, and commitment to environmental responsibility.
MAIN NEW ENERGY CO.,LTD , https://www.main-newenergy.com