As one of the earliest foreign-invested enterprises to take root in Jinan, Siemens Energy Transformer (Jinan) Co., Ltd. has grown steadily over the past three decades, becoming a cornerstone of the city’s advanced manufacturing sector. In 2024, the company achieved an impressive 40% increase in production capacity, while also advancing the construction of China’s most advanced 1000kV ultra-high-voltage transformer testing laboratory—an investment backed by Siemens Energy’s global headquarters.
“2025 will continue to be a year of rapid growth for the company. We will further expand capacity and seize the momentum,” said Zhang Lili, General Manager of Siemens Energy Transformer Jinan, during her acceptance speech at the 15th “Influence Jinan” Economic Figures Awards held on April 9.
Founded in 1994 with a registered capital of €34.09 million, Siemens Energy Transformer Jinan has played a leading role in China’s power equipment industry. According to corporate data, the company has participated in 198 bidding projects, owns 70 patents, and holds 35 administrative licenses. It operates as a subsidiary of Siemens Energy, a global energy technology leader with a portfolio spanning gas and steam turbines, hydrogen-powered hybrid plants, generators, and transformers. More than half of Siemens Energy’s business portfolio has already been decarbonized, with ongoing efforts in green hydrogen and Power-to-X technologies.
Zhang Lili’s leadership comes at a pivotal time. The global transformer industry is experiencing a surge in demand, driven by renewable energy expansion, grid modernization, and decarbonization goals. Industry forecasts indicate that the transformer market could exceed USD 27 billion by 2024, with continued growth through 2029. China’s manufacturers, including the Jinan facility, are at the forefront of this boom, not only meeting domestic needs but also supplying overseas markets despite rising logistics costs.
At the Jinan plant, Siemens Energy has already localized production of eco-friendly ester oil transformers, widely used in offshore wind power projects. These next-generation transformers, utilizing biodegradable insulating oils, offer higher fire safety, longer service life, and reduced environmental risks compared to traditional mineral-oil designs. “Ester-based insulation is more environmentally friendly and safer. It reduces fire hazards and aligns with our mission to support the energy transition,” Zhang explained in an earlier interview.
Her remarks also highlight a broader transformation in the power equipment sector. As experts call for legislation to accelerate the phase-out of high-emission materials such as SF₆, companies like Siemens Energy are pioneering alternatives. Its fluorine-free Blue GIS equipment has already been deployed across multiple projects in China, including offshore wind farms and zero-carbon substations.
The recognition of Zhang Lili at the “Influence Jinan” awards underscores not only her personal contribution but also the synergy between entrepreneurship and the city’s economic vitality. “This event creates a strong atmosphere of respect and recognition for entrepreneurs, encouraging us to keep innovating,” she said.
As Jinan pushes forward with its “Strong Industrial City” strategy, Siemens Energy Transformer Jinan under Zhang’s leadership stands as a symbol of how global technology and local growth can intersect. With production lines running at full capacity and plans for expansion underway, the company is poised to play an even greater role in China’s green energy transformation and in the global power equipment market.