Under the global energy transition wave and China’s "Dual Carbon" goals, industrial enterprises face unprecedented challenges in energy management.
First, factories struggle with real-time energy monitoring due to complex equipment networks, making it difficult to detect inefficiencies and optimize consumption. Second, companies must establish science-based decarbonization targets and quantify the impact of emission-reduction measures—a complex task without advanced analytics.
Additionally, the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs)—such as photovoltaic (PV) systems, energy storage, and EV charging stations—adds complexity to grid management. Efficient coordination among these assets is critical to maximizing renewable energy utilization and reducing operational costs.
Siemens’ Breakthrough Solution: A Digital Microgrid with 100% Green Energy Adoption
Siemens’ first PV-storage integrated project in China delivers a replicable model for industrial decarbonization. The system achieves 100% renewable energy utilization while cutting electricity costs by $35,000 annually, proving that sustainability and profitability can coexist.
"As energy systems grow more complex under decarbonization trends, Siemens provides a smart microgrid solution leveraging AI, IoT, and big data analytics to optimize generation, grid, load, and storage (GGL&S) coordination," said Bin Lin, Executive Vice President of Siemens China and Head of Smart Infrastructure for Greater China.
Key Innovations in Energy Optimization
3.1 Real-Time Data Analytics for Smarter Decision-Making
Siemens’ Smart ECX Energy and Carbon Management Platform integrates IoT sensors across the factory, collecting real-time data on electricity, thermal energy, and water consumption. Advanced visualization tools—such as energy topology mapping and system configuration dashboards—provide clear insights into energy usage and carbon emissions.
3.2 AI-Driven Decarbonization Pathways
The platform aligns with global standards like SBTi (Science-Based Targets initiative) and leverages methodologies from UN CDM (Clean Development Mechanism) and China’s CCER (China Certified Emission Reduction) to quantify emission reductions. By simulating scenarios—such as high-efficiency equipment upgrades or increased renewable adoption—factories can select the most cost-effective decarbonization strategies.
3.3 Dynamic PV-Storage Optimization for Cost Savings
Unlike traditional Energy Management Systems (EMS) that rely on fixed charge-discharge cycles, Siemens’ solution uses predictive analytics and real-time electricity pricing to optimize battery storage operations. This peak-shaving and valley-filling strategy reduces grid dependency, enhances PV self-consumption, and cuts energy costs.
The 1.86MW/5.58MWh lithium-ion battery storage system ensures 3-hour backup power during peak demand or grid outages, maintaining uninterrupted production.
From Pilot to Scalable Model: Replicating Success Across Industries
Siemens’ digital microgrid framework—covering system design, equipment selection, and AI-powered management—is now a scalable blueprint for industrial decarbonization.
A landmark collaboration with Shanghai Xinqiao Energy Technology extends this model to low-carbon smart parks, demonstrating broader applicability beyond single factories.
The Future: Expanding Digital Microgrids for Industry-Wide Decarbonization
With rising energy costs and tightening carbon regulations, digital microgrids are becoming a cornerstone of industrial energy transition. Siemens’ project is not just a proof of concept (PoC) but a scalable ecosystem driving sector-wide adoption.
"Green digital transformation is a journey," Lin emphasized. "We aim to foster cross-industry collaboration, creating a win-win scenario for China’s low-carbon future."
Conclusion: A Blueprint for Sustainable Industrial Energy Management
Siemens’ digital microgrid solution sets a new standard—balancing cost savings, efficiency, and emissions reduction. As more enterprises adopt this model, the transition from single-factory success to industry-wide transformation accelerates, paving the way for a carbon-neutral industrial future.
