Siemens to strengthen its renewables business; Company to set up two divisions for wind power, and solar and hydro

Siemens is gearing up for further growth in renewables. Effective October 1st, 2011, the company wants to realign its renewables business into two independent units. The existing Renewable Energy Division shall be divided into two new divisions: Wind Power and Solar & Hydro.

Dr. Felix Ferlemann, to date head of the Chassis Systems Division of Benteler Automotive, is to be appointed CEO of the Wind Power Division. “We want to continue our success story in wind power business and establish the basis for further growth,” said Michael Suess, CEO of the Siemens Energy Sector.

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Siemens AG (NYSE: SI), Diamond Aircraft, and EADS will unveil the world’s first hybrid aircraft at the Paris Air Show which opened today and runs through the end of the week.

The DA36 E-Star motor glider is the first of its kind in the world. Based on Diamond Aircraft’s HK36 Dimona the plane uses a Siemens designed 70kw electric motor to power its propeller and an EADS battery system to provide the extra power needed for take off. Once the aircraft is at cruising altitude the the battery system recharges. According to Siemens the plane’s emissions and fuel consumption are greatly decreased as the “combustion engine runs with a constant low output of 30 kw.”

Earlier this month the two-seater plane took its first successful flight. Nevertheless, the technology still has a lot more development and testing to undergo.

Siemens has big plans for what its scientists and engineers are learning about about how hybrid drive trains operate in aircraft. The energy giant has set a goal to translate the technology used in this glider into larger aircraft.  The company says hybrid drive trains can reduce aircraft fuel consumption and emissions by 25% compared to the industry’s most efficient technologies. The company is already fast at work developing a new “ultra-light electric drive” which it expects to be five times lighter than conventional drives.

“On the long way to hybrid electric-powered commercial aircraft, the maiden flight of the DA36 E-Star is a small step and at the same time a historic milestone,” said Dr. Jean Botti, Chief Technical Officer and member of the Executive Committee of EADS.

With this latest development, Siemens adds to its Environmental Portfolio.  The energy conglomerate is quickly becoming a clean and alternative energy juggernaut. Last week it announced plans to invest US$214.6million to expand its wind power business. And, in 2010, Siemens was the world’s largest supplier of eco-friendly technologies generating a revenue of nearly US$40 billion.

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Siemens acquires stake in U.S.-Based HCPV producer Semprius; Next-generation technology of high concentrating photovoltaics promises maximum efficiency

Siemens has acquired a minority share (approximately 16 percent) in U.S. pioneering solar company Semprius. Headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, Semprius develops high concentrating photovoltaic (HCPV) modules. This investment gives Siemens early access to a highly promising technology for CO2-free power generation from solar energy, the company emphasizes.

Siemens will act as a strategic investor to help Semprius develop this innovative technology to market maturity. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.

 

HCPV offers an enormous potential to achieve competitive levelized costs of electricity

“Participating in Semprius provides us access to trailblazing technology for clean power generation,” says Martin Schulz, Vice President of Photovoltaics in the Renewable Energy Division of Siemens Energy.

“We believe the prospects are bright for high concentrating photovoltaic systems that enable significantly higher efficiencies than conventional PV modules, and at the same time, offer enormous potential to achieve competitive levelized costs of electricity.”

 

HCPV market expected to reach six gigawatts by 2020

The market for HCPV installations is still in its early stages but is expected to grow to a volume of up to six gigawatts by 2020. HCPV systems are a prime alternative to conventional photovoltaics and are especially suitable for regions with high direct sunlight, for example along the Earth’s sunbelt.

 

First full test installation in Arizona since August 2010

Semprius’ HCPV modules use high-performance lenses to focus the sun’s light onto very small, highly efficient (>40% NREL Certified) cells which convert the solar energy directly into electric current. Apart from its excellent conversion performance and very low cost, other features such as its high reliability, modular configuration and flexible plant design make this technology particularly appealing.

Modules built with Semprius’ patented production process have been on sun for several years and the first full test installation has been operational in Arizona since August 2010; additional installations are scheduled to follow before the end of this year.

 

Strategic investor Siemens to help scale up Semprius’ capabilities to production levels

“We are very pleased to bring Siemens in as a strategic investor as we scale up our capabilities to production levels,” said Joe Carr, Semprius President and CEO. “Their far-reaching presence and strength in the renewable market offer us an immediate global footprint.”

Currently, Siemens acts as a general contractor on solar projects, responsible for the planning, engineering, delivery and installation of solar power generating systems. With this deal, Siemens has opened the door to possibly extending from its current EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) model into this advanced photovoltaic market.

 

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