INNIO Group is a leading energy solution and service provider, headquartered in Jenbach, Austria. INNIO’s Jenbacher energy solutions range from standalone generator sets to complete solutions for power generation with a focus on renewable energy sources and sustainability. We were guests of the managing director for INNIO’s Jenbacher brand in the APAC region, Dipl.-Ing. Carsten Dommermuth, MBA. We questioned him about the company as well as current and future trends.
What brought INNIO to Singapore?
INNIO’s Jenbacher technology has come a long way. We are more than proud to stand as a traditional Austrian company for international presence and cooperation.
Considering this, Singapore is the perfect place for a strategic hub from which to control and conduct business throughout the region. Almost all clients in Southeast Asia and China are handled from here. In addition to that, we also have the APAC Service Hub here to bring our global distribution network closer to our local customers. Production of our Jenbacher engines takes place exclusively in Jenbach in Tyrol from where they are then shipped all over the world.
Why did you choose Singapore as your location, and would you recommend it to other companies?
Singapore is considered to be the number one incubator and business gateway to Asia. This is due to the many favourable macroeconomic indicators.
Which energy source will be the pioneer in Asia, and where does the trend go?
Decarbonisation and green energy are very much the big buzzwords. Various ambitions are already being made in the form of wind power, solar power, and other sustainable energy sources. Several governments in Asia are also trying to promote CO2 reduction projects through incentives and other attractive options.
Regarding this, we see great potential in hydrogen as an alternative energy source. We can also proudly say that our “Ready for H2” Jenbacher technology was selected for the first 100% hydrogen engine power plant in the Asia Pacific region.
Where can one find INNIO’s technologies?
We specialize in sustainable solutions, and we have a large global presence with more than 25,000 delivered engines. In Asia, our engines are prominently featured in biogas, landfill and cleantech industry as well as utilities and industry, to provide efficient, clean energy solutions for electricity, heat, and/or cooling.
Who is on a better way to becoming “green” (supported by your technology), Europe or Asia?
Europe's challenges are primarily that framework conditions to facilitate the expansion of sustainable technologies such as hydrogen need to be in place, and biogas is not fully leveraged. In general, there are many efforts and campaigns for decarbonisation in various industries.
In Asia, we have the challenge that many sectors do not cooperate as well. Some countries in Asia are also going back to coal, as recent geo-political events have led them to supply local traditional gas in form of LNG (Liquified Natural Gas) to Europe rather than to use it within their own country.
However, the ambitions to “go green” can be seen everywhere, including both Europe and Asia.
Is it still necessary to send employees to Singapore and let them work from there?
Of course, it always depends on the type of company and which sector it is in, but I would still say that international exchange is best done in person. Especially in Singapore as an Asian metropolis, where so many different nationalities and their companies are represented, it is important to be present and to make your presence felt. Nowadays, various technologies also allow remote work, but at the end of the day, a face-to-face meeting is perhaps the better way to do international business and represent your company.
Is Southeast Asia going green?
Yes!
Certainly, this is not an easy task, and it will be very time-consuming. Nevertheless, the desire is there, and INNIO’s Jenbacher team is happy to empower industries and communities on their way to climate neutrality. The energy transition here in APAC is a marathon and not a sprint….”
