Collaboration could be the answer to a sustainable global energy landscape
Karim Amin, Siemens Energy Executive Board Member discusses renewables, gas-fired power and a “hybrid energy system” with Energy Connects.
In the push towards a more sustainable energy future, how do you see the global energy mix evolving?
Global electricity demand is on a steep upward trajectory - doubling by mid-century, by most estimates.
With renewables’ volatility posing greater supply challenges, gas-fired power remains a critical part of the equation; on average, for every 3-4 GW of renewables, at least 1 GW of dispatchable capacity is needed to stabilise the grid.
Attention is also returning to nuclear power, with over 50 countries now including it in their national energy strategies. The UK aims to deliver up to 24 GW by 2050, while China is targeting 150 new reactors by 2035. In 2024, the UAE’s Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant reached full capacity, supplying up to 25% of the country’s electricity in record time.
What trends or technologies are helping transform the global energy industry from your perspective?
The rise of AI and cloud computing is transforming electricity demand. Data centres alone are expected to consume about 1,000 terawatt-hours globally by 2030; that’s approximately 3.2% of total global electricity demand in 2024, according to the IEA. These facilities need uninterrupted power, driving innovation in on-site generation, storage, and microgrid design.
Earlier this year, we partnered with Rolls-Royce’s Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to supply power generation technology for the firm’s SMRs and help bring these next-generation reactors to market.
HVDC systems, grid-forming inverters, and automated controls are becoming essential to manage high renewable penetration, while gas turbines are being redesigned for higher efficiency, carbon capture and hydrogen blending. Siemens Energy aims to have its key gas turbine frames capable of burning 100% hydrogen by 2030.
"The rise of AI and cloud computing is transforming electricity demand. Data centres alone are expected to consume about 1,000 terawatt-hours globally by 2030 – that’s approximately 3.2% of total global electricity demand in 2024, according to the IEA."
Could you share some recent Siemens Energy projects and milestones?
Siemens Energy recently recorded a milestone quarter, with an order intake of EUR 16.6 billion, the highest ever in our five-year history. Our Gas Services business area sold 86 gas turbines spanning a broad range of power outputs - again, the highest quarterly result ever since the spin-off of Siemens Energy. Notably, in the United States, data centre customers have accounted for 65% of the 14 GW in gas turbine orders placed so far this fiscal year.
We’ve recently joined forces globally with Eaton to foster faster power supply for data centres, integrating medium-size gas turbines with battery storage.
In Saudi Arabia, we are delivering over 7.6 GW of new gas-fired capacity with our largest gas turbine frame - the 9000HL - across several major projects, including Taiba 2, Qassim 2, Rumah 2, and Nairyah 2.
In the UAE, we are working with ENGIE, TAQA, Sumitomo, and EWEC to convert the Shuweihat S1 plant from a cogeneration power and water desalination facility into a power-only plant. This will decouple the steady operation for water production from the gas turbines, which will be dispatched only when needed. Starting in 2027, Shuweihat S1 will provide 1.1 GW of flexible reserve supply, supporting the increased integration of renewable and clean energy sources into the national grid.
Why is it important to be part of conversations like those at ADIPEC?
ADIPEC is one of the few global platforms that brings energy producers, policymakers, innovators, and financiers to the same table. The event provides an opportunity to engage with partners across the Middle East and beyond, share our global experience from different regions, discuss what is needed on the ground, and advance practical, flexible solutions.
