Nidec Industrial Solutions, part of the Energy & Infrastructure division of the Nidec Group, has signed a contract worth 30 million euros: This provides for the production and delivery of six 45 MW electric motors to support the production expansion of the world's largest natural gas field in Qatar. The construction of two new gas transport trains is expected to achieve an annual production of 126 million tonnes of LNG (liquefied natural gas) by 2028. Qatar will thus become one of the world's largest LNG exporters and Europe's largest supplier.
The project is at the centre of a profound change in Europe's energy supply as countries are forced to seek alternative energy sources following the end of Russian natural gas supplies. LNG represents one way to fill this supply gap.
The system developed by Nidec Industrial Solutions uses an innovative 4-pole motor model driven by PWM inverters. Compared to conventional solutions using 2-pole motors with LCI inverters, the system offers better operability, high productivity and is overall more cost-effective, consistent and reliable.
Innovative engine model: leading the electric revolution in the LNG sector
All engine development and production takes place at the Nidec plant in Monfalcone, Italy. This new technology will play a leading role in the electric revolution in the LNG sector, where more and more gas turbines can be replaced by electric motors with minimal environmental impact. The project demonstrates how CAPEX and OPEX emission levels can be technically minimised with even higher efficiency at the same time.
In 2022 alone, more than 139 billion m3 of gas was burned under high CO2 pollution. Nidec's electric motors address the decarbonisation requirements of the oil and gas industry.
"We are proud to provide our expertise and equipment to meet Europe's urgent need for more alternative energy sources - especially LNG - and to support the ambitious investments in productivity and reduction of the environmental footprint across the industry," said Dominique Llonch, CEO of Nidec Industrial Solutions. "Our technologies are at the heart of the ongoing green transformation and we are increasing the range of these engines from the current 45 MW to 100 MW, allowing higher power turbines to be replaced and new standards of efficiency and productivity to be achieved."
