Five technologies will help solve the decarbonization equation. Article by Peter Körte, Chief Technology and Strategy Officer at Siemens AG.
In our quest to combat climate change, the role of technology is both transformative and essential. Many new innovations bring their unique strength in addressing environmental issues, but it is their collective application that truly amplifies their effectiveness. This convergence – from the insight of digital twins to the ‘great enabler’ industrial AI, the efficiency of additive manufacturing, the insight of decarbonization platforms, and the balance provided by smart grids – creates a comprehensive force for sustainability. Together, they are reshaping our approach to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Let’s take a closer look at what is happening – and what is ahead.
Digital twin technology stands out as a driving force in enhancing efficiency and sustainability. Imagine a world where every physical asset has a digital counterpart that acts just like the real thing. This is not science fiction; it’s the reality we’re building. Today, digital twins allow us to simulate, test, and optimize everything from energy-efficient supermarket fridges to vast transportation networks like the 2,000 km rail system we are building in Egypt.
Digital Twins could save 7.5 gigatonnes of CO2 this decade, a testament to their impact on sustainability.
And as we venture further, the industrial metaverse begins to take shape. In this emerging digital world, physics-based, real-time, and photo-realistic digital twins will enable us to manage, analyze, and innovate with unprecedented speed and precision. This evolution represents the re-invention of how we interact with both people and machines—and supercharge our ability to innovate and reshape our physical world.
Another game-changer in accelerating decarbonization is industrial AI, acting as a catalyst that enhances the capabilities of other technologies. Consider the example of Estonia’s Greenergy Data Centers. The impact, as described by their Chief Development Officer, Kert Evert, is truly remarkable. “When we first launched the AI system, it immediately improved our efficiency by approximately 30%,” he explains. “And that was just the start. The system continuously learns, adapts, and improves over time.” For me, this is industrial AI in action–learning, adapting, and continually improving.AI can advance 93% of UN Sustainability Targets, highlighting its versatile impact.
Then there’s additive manufacturing, a technology that has the potential to transform the entire manufacturing landscape, changing how we think about production and resource use. A compelling example is a German company that used this technology to refurbish wind turbine gears, resulting in energy savings of 60-85%. Similarly, Siemens Mobility employs additive manufacturing to produce spare train parts on demand, significantly reducing the time and resources traditionally required in logistics and manufacturing. This approach cuts down on emissions and enables a shift towards a more agile and environmentally friendly production process.Additive Manufacturing can save up to 70% of raw materials, showcasing its role in sustainable production.
Furthermore, effective decarbonization depends on collaboration, trust, and transparency. Digital decarbonization platforms like SiGREEN are central to this effort, providing a space where companies can transparently share data and strategies to reduce carbon emissions. These platforms are not just tools but facilitators of innovation and cooperation, essential for achieving sustainable, low-carbon objectives.Decarbonization Platforms address up to 90% of a product’s CO2 footprint, emphasizing their importance in supply chain sustainability.
And finally, consider the critical role of Smart Grids in our energy transition. These advanced systems are key in places like Terceira in the Azores, where renewable sources like solar and wind are variable by nature. Smart grids manage this variability, ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply and significantly reducing carbon emissions. Smart grids are the backbone of a future energy landscape where renewables are not just supplementary, but central to our energy needs.Smart Grids aim for 100% flexibility and stability, crucial for the energy transition.
As we look ahead, it’s clear that these technologies – digital twins, industrial AI, additive manufacturing, decarbonization platforms, and smart grids – are interconnected parts of a larger whole. Together, they work in synergy to reduce industry carbon emissions and enhance operational efficiency.
Our path forward is one of collaboration and innovation, a journey towards a sustainable, carbon-neutral future. But it's not just about people and businesses collaborating; it's also about making sure these technologies can smoothly work together. Imagine, for example, a world where AI and 3D printing join forces, leading to smarter, more sustainable manufacturing processes. That's the kind of synergy we're talking about.
This is where digital business platforms like Siemens Xcelerator come into play. Here, businesses, developers and innovators can find the solutions and the ecosystem they need to truly harness the power of these interconnected technologies, paving the way for a future that's innovative, collaborative, and green.
Our path forward is one of collaboration and innovation, a journey towards a sustainable, carbon-neutral future. It requires merging the real with the digital, creating solutions for environmental challenges. This is our commitment, our ambition – creating technology with purpose to transform the everyday for everyone.
Siemens Xcelerator is an open digital business platform that facilitates collaboration and innovation through a curated portfolio that combines real and digital worlds and a powerful ecosystem of partners who can jointly accelerate to achieve your business specific decarbonization goals.
