Siemens Energy Optimizes Its Resources to Meet Steam Turbine Market Demand
Michael Smiarowski of Siemens Energy says the steam turbine market is managing unprecedented demand, so advanced implementation planning is key.
At Turbo Expo 2025, Michael Smiarowski, Manager Steam Turbine Modernizations at Siemens Energy, shared with Turbomachinery International the most common challenges in the steam turbine market and dove into key technological advancements in modernization projects to extend asset life and increase performance.
What are the most common challenges in modernizing aging steam turbine fleets, and what solutions is Siemens Energy employing to overcome them?
Our current challenge is primarily related to marketplace demand. We are experiencing unprecedented activity in this industry. I have been in the steam turbine business for nearly 38 years, and the current market is very active. The main challenge we face is supporting customers who have a target implementation date for their projects. If they want to complete installations within the next three years, they must start discussions with us and begin planning now. Advanced planning from the customer's side is essential.
On our end, Siemens Energy is focused on managing our resources effectively. We have a finite amount of engineering, project management, and project development talent available for these projects. As customers reach out to us, we need to prioritize their requests and respond accordingly.
What key technological advancements is Siemens Energy implementing in modernization projects to extend asset life or boost performance?
A steam turbine modernization project that replaces the steam path is a typical project, which essentially resets the life of the critical and highly stressed components—the rotating element as well as the stationary blading of a steam turbine. Where we can, we optimize the steam path to your existing steam conditions to get the best possible efficiency. Over the years, there have been advances in blade design, ceiling design, materials, etc., that boost efficiency as well as the unit’s lifetime.
If you implement a steam turbine modernization, you’re getting the latest and greatest technology. In addition to efficiency and lifetime extension, modernization enables longer inspection intervals and boosts reliability.
Click here to hear Smiarowski discuss what's driving steam turbine modernizations.
