Siemens faces international criticism for supplying new Indonesian coal-fired plant

Siemens Energy has signed a supply contract with South Korean plant manufacturer Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction for a planned coal-fired power plant on the Indonesian island of Java, a move already drawing criticism and unwanted comparisons to the company’s involvement in Australia’s controversial Adani coal mine project, Christian Schaudwet writes in Der Tagesspiegel. The energy division of the German technology heavyweight, which is set to go public in September, has agreed to supply new and more efficient turbines for the Jawa power plant. Siemens Energy will now have two major international coal projects in its portfolio as it is spun off in the coming weeks. While a Siemens Energy spokesman stressed that the plant would be supplied with the "world's most environmentally friendly technology" currently available, creating “one of the most efficient coal-fired power plants in Southeast Asia,” the project is drawing international criticism. Julien Vincent of the Australian climate protection organisation Market Forces blasted the South Korean government for its involvement in the project after its promise of a Green New Deal earlier this year that would see a halt to coal production at home and abroad. "It seems like the Green New Deal is just an empty promise," Vincent said.

South Korean NGO Solutions for Our Climate has also warned that the investment would undermine South Korea’s initiative for an energy transition and sustainable economy, Schaudwet writes, citing Singapore’s Eco Business news site. Siemens faced similar criticism for its participation in the Adani coal mine project in Australia at a time when the continent had been ravaged by unprecedented wildfires. Protests erupted at the company’s annual general meeting in Munich on 5 February, where CEO Joe Kaeser said Siemens Energy would be at the centre of the global debate on climate change.