Siemens and the Helmholtz Association have a long-standing history of successful cooperation both in the field of basic and applied research. The agreed strategic dialog will focus on topics such as superconductors, fuel cells and membranes, the aerodynamics of turbomachinery, gas turbine combustion technology, material systems for power plant components and CO2-free power plant technologies. These subject areas will be represented by the Helmholtz research centers German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Cologne, the Jülich and Karlsruhe Research Centers, and the Geesthacht Research Center (GKSS). The partners within Siemens will be the Power Generation Group (PG) and Siemens Corporate Technology.

”The ability to implement innovations will be the decisive factor for the future of companies and economies. Only with new, creative products and services can we prevail in the face of stiff competition", said Norbert König, member of the Group Executive Management of Siemens Power Generation (PG), at the contract signing ceremony at PG headquarters in Erlangen. That is why innovation is one of the mainstays of Siemens business strategy. Only in this way can the company remain a trendsetter in its areas of business. “Today we have to develop tomorrow’s technologies. The cooperation with the renowned Helmholtz research centers will provide us with the opportunity to unite theory and practice to our mutual benefit”, stated König.

“Research and development in the field of energy technology demand long-term commitment and extensive use of resources. The agreed strategic dialog is the right way to be successful in a field that is decisive for the future of Germany as a science and technology location and of society”, said Professor Walter Kröll, President of the Helmholtz Association. “And the right partners have joined forces: Siemens, the largest German company in the field of energy technology, and Helmholtz, the largest public research institution in the energy sector.”

The Power Generation Group (PG) of Siemens AG is one of the premier companies in the international power generation sector. In fiscal 2004 (which ended September 30), Siemens PG posted sales amounting to approximately EUR7.5 billion and received new orders totaling EUR9.2 billion. Group profit amounted to EUR961 million. On September 30, 2004, PG had a work force of approximately 30,900 worldwide. Further information at: http://www.siemens.com/powergeneration

With its 15 research centers and annual budget of approx 2.2 billion euros the Helmholtz Association is Germany’s largest research organisation. The 24 000 employees produce top-rate scientific results in six research fields. The Helmholtz Association identifies and takes on the grand challenges of society, science and the economy, in particular through the investigation of highly complex systems.