Siemens will assist the Sultanate in embracing advanced technologies in the energy sector to help mitigate the impact of lower oil prices and rising energy demand, says Markus Strohmeier, CEO of Siemens in Oman in an interview with Oommen John P
The Germany-headquartered Siemens, which is one of the largest engineering companies in Europe, has plans to significantly grow its presence in Oman.
“As a long-term technology partner to Oman, Siemens is committed to assisting the country in creating a sustainable and diversified economy, building on four decades of positive contribution. We believe that ingenuity and technological innovation are central to achieving Oman’s national goals and its visions. With this in mind, Siemens will continue contributing to Oman’s energy industry, including oil and gas companies, with the latest solutions, enhanced by digitalisation, to drive efficiency, productivity and reliability gains towards a more sustainable production of hydrocarbons,” says Strohmeier.
Siemens has significantly grown its presence in the region. The Middle East has traditionally been a key market for Siemens, with the company’s presence in the region dating back to more than 150 years. “Our strategy has stayed the same throughout, which is a commitment to operating on a local level, but with global expertise. Our long and continuous presence here is a source of pride and demonstrates our very strong and consistent commitment to the region. Over these years, we have played a key role in helping build the infrastructure in the region. Whether in terms of the power infrastructure, airports, ports, public buildings and hospitals, you are likely to find Siemens almost everywhere,” says Strohmeier.
In Oman, “we were traditionally in the electricity sector, in transmission and distribution. We have gained significant market share in power plants, especially in generating electricity. The Siemens technology has enabled Oman to save 31 per cent of gas in power generation. Our new technology has ushered in very high efficiency. In the past 5-years, there were only Siemens gas- fired power plants coming into service and that’s a direct result of our technology.
“We brought to Oman gas turbines and steam turbines with very high efficiency levels which ultimately allowed the Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP) to save 31 per cent of gas. We have made a name for ourselves in electricity transmission, distribution and power generation.”
Siemens, which showcased its latest technology to boost efficiency and reliability at Oman Energy and Water Exhibition and Conference in Muscat recently demonstrated the key role digitalisation, cost-saving technologies and grid integration will play in the future of Oman’s energy landscape. The company reiterated its efforts to assist the Sultanate in embracing advanced technologies in the energy sector to help mitigate the impact of lower oil prices and rising energy demand due to economic growth and industrial diversification.
Due to the current industry landscape in Oman, companies are increasingly interested in technology that will optimise production capacity at lower costs. The Siemens portfolio addresses this interest using software, sensors, process automation and data analytics to drive efficiency and increase reliability across the value chain, Strohmeier explains.
“We have a presence in the oil and gas sector in Oman too, including in the Sohar Refinery expansion project. Last year, we signed a 10-year supply contract agreement for compressors with PDO. Siemens technology has also made a name in the water sector in Oman, serving customers including PDO, BP, and ORPIC. We are expanding our reach and our portfolio. There is so much more to come. The plan is to bring innovation into traditional fields. The strength of Siemens is definitely in innovation,” he adds.
Siemens has been in the business for 169 years. “We are investing billions in R&D. Our investment in Oman is knowledge-based. We are investing in education and training of our staff,” says Strohmeier. “Digitalisation in the oil and gas sector will be the next big thing that will arrive to Oman, as it continues to diversify the economy. What sets us apart is that we are very consistent, approachable, and a role model for transparency. There is more happening this year than last year. It’s time to get efficient and re-do things.”