Siemens faces international criticism for supplying new Indonesian coal-fired plant
Tagesspiegel
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鈥檚 involvement in Australia鈥檚 controversial Adani coal mine project,听Christian Schaudwet听writes in Der Tagesspiegel.听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 鈥渙ne of the most efficient coal-fired power plants in Southeast Asia,鈥� 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鈥檚 initiative for an energy transition and sustainable economy,听Schaudwet听writes, citing Singapore鈥檚 Eco Business news site.听Siemens听faced similar criticism听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听at the company鈥檚 annual general meeting in Munich on 5 February, where CEO Joe Kaeser said听Siemens听Energy would be at the centre of the global debate on climate change.
