Energy powers industrial growth and productivity, yet some 80% of current global energy consumption is fossil-fueled,¹ accounting for over 75% of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).² Despite the marked increase in renewable energy installations in recent years, current capacity remains insufficient to meet global energy demand. Significant challenges to energy transition persist, particularly in low-income and developing countries. The latest World Energy Transitions Outlook report highlights the need for greater investment in energy transition technologies, which are currently concentrated in comparatively few countries and technologies.³

Sulzer’s cutting-edge solutions are at the heart of essential industries, designed to minimize downtime, optimize efficiencies and performance, and extend the lifecycle of critical infrastructure. Our expertise keeps energy systems, both traditional and renewable, and water systems running smoothly and efficiently, using less fuel for improved performance and more sustainable operation.

Serving energy security and transition

Geothermal energy, a clean and largely untapped renewable energy source, is naturally abundant in the earth’s core, offering a small physical footprint and minimal environmental impact. It reduces dependence on conventional energy sources, lowers greenhouse gas emissions and provides a stable and sustainable source of energy. Not surprisingly, it is gaining traction with governments and industry. Geothermal energy already accounts for significant portions of electricity generation and heating needs in countries like Iceland, the Philippines and New Zealand, and its applications are expected to accelerate.⁴

Harnessing geothermal energy in volcanic and tectonically active regions is efficient and costproductive, but comes with risks, especially where deep drilling is required. Experiments conducted in Basel, Switzerland (2006) showed that precision engineering and infrastructure capable of withstanding extreme conditions is crucial, including intense heat, pressure and corrosive fluids.⁵ Sulzer’s expertise is well-suited to address these challenges.

Through meticulous maintenance practices, geothermal plants are achieving greater reliability and longevity, unlocking the potential of this renewable resource to power communities for future generations. Here, too, Sulzer solutions are supporting this transition. As a premier supplier of hydrocarbon feed pumps for geothermal applications, we recently retrofitted an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) plant in Turkey that converts heat from geothermal energy. We also recently signed a. five-year customer service contract with PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) in Indonesia to provide strategic maintenance support to all of PGE’s geothermal power plants. The combined capacity of the plants is 675 MW, enough to power approximately 550,000 homes, ensuring stable renewable energy for Indonesia’s growing population.

Currently, Sulzer is collaborating with third parties to develop geothermal technologies for less accessible heat sources. Two research projects with separate universities and industry partners have recently received financial support from the German government to help maximize geothermal energy potential, demonstrating the value of our commitment to innovation, energy security and transition.

Enabling availability and reliability

Industries navigating the challenges of meeting growing demand with fewer resources appreciate the value of robust maintenance systems and require expert support for their systems and infrastructure. In sectors like water treatment, energy transition and petrochemicals, proactive maintenance with advanced technologies such as predictive analytics, real-time monitoring tools and corrosion-resistant materials drives considerable efficiencies and savings.

Sulzer's focus on energy infrastructure enables longer operating times through increased efficiency and cleaner operation, offering both cost savings and environmental benefits. In summer 2024, we completed a steam turbine overhaul project at Melton Renewable Energy's Thetford Power Station in Norfolk known for using poultry litter as fuel. This station has been supplying green energy to nearly 100,000 homes and businesses in the United Kingdom for over two decades.⁶ Thanks to Sulzer’s precision skills and expertise, maintenance of the plant’s critical infrastructure is completed quickly to ensure continued production and timely delivery.

Further north, Sulzer plays a key role in maintaining and optimizing critical infrastructure for Norway’s North Sea platforms. With Europe increasingly reliant on Norwegian energy due to the ongoing sanctions on Russian imports, Sulzer was brought in to manage repairs across two planned shutdowns. Our solutions helped increase compressor availability from 58% to 95.2%, doubling production capacity and reducing emissions.

Optimizing lifecycle solutions

As equipment ages, operational costs rise, spare parts become expensive and lead times are longer, while performance lags behind that of newer products. Sulzer’s reverse engineering and manufacturing capabilities, combined with our ever-expanding global service network, meet the demand for essential services worldwide.

Sulzer solutions ensure critical infrastructure is dependable and long-lasting, ensuring essential services are available when and where needed. In a world where industrial growth often conflicts with environmental preservation, Sulzer is partnering with Industry for a greener tomorrow, pioneering solutions that help industries prosper while safeguarding the planet. By integrating advanced technologies, we enable industries to operate more efficiently, with less waste and a significantly smaller environmental footprint.

1) International Energy Agency (IEA), “World Energy Outlook 2022”.
2) World Bank Group, “The energy transition: Where are we, really?” August 27, 2024.
3) IRENA (2024), World Energy Transitions Outlook 2024: 1.5° C Pathway, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Abu Dhabi.
4) Ibid.
5) Ibid.
6) ITN Business. (November 2024). "Ensuring reliable, sustainable energy for 2024 [Video] YouTube