SIEMENS has joined hands with Qatar University and Kahramaa, the local utility for electricity and water, for research and development of energy-efficient systems and solutions to support Qatar’s rapidly-growing infrastructure.

The three parties signed a two-year MoU that will draw on the key skills and strengths of each party, a statement said. “As a leading manufacturer in the field of electrical equipment for power generation, transmission and distribution, Siemens will cooperate with Qatar University and Kahramaa on a case-by-case basis in carrying out R&D activities in the field of energy efficiency,” the statement added.

Kahramaa will bring expertise in the development of energy efficient systems for power generation, transmission and distribution systems. Specialists from Qatar University will work in tandem with Kahramaa, using their knowledge and expertise to assist in the development of new efficient systems.

The latest partnership highlights Siemens continued support of Qatar’s National Vision 2030, which aims to develop a solid foundation built on education, scientific research, technology transfer, and community development.

Martin á Porta, CEO of Siemens WLL, the Qatari unit of Siemens AG, said: “I believe in strong cooperation with our local partners and offering our expertise to develop long-term relationships; this is part of our commitment to support Qatar’s infrastructure plans.”

He added: “As Qatar continues to enjoy rapid population and industry growth, it is important for us as a responsible corporation to make the effort of strengthening local competence by encouraging and enabling research, development and knowledge transfer.”

Qatar is currently beginning preparations for the 2022 World Cup, which will see the country investing some $60 billion in infrastructure upgrades, including projects for the development of clean power supplies.

Siemens’ continued dedication of its resources follows its partnership with Qatar Foundation, signed in 2011, which focuses on the advancement of Qatar’s infrastructure capability and competence, including establishing a service headquarters in Qatar for the company’s regional power transmission and distribution business.

Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a global powerhouse in electronics and electrical engineering, operating in the fields of industry, energy and healthcare as well as providing infrastructure solutions, primarily for cities and metropolitan areas. The company is the world’s largest provider of environmental technologies. Around 40 per cent of its total revenue stems from green products and solutions. In fiscal 2011, which ended on September 30, 2011, revenue from continuing operations totaled €73.5 billion ($92.1 billion) and income from continuing operations €7.0 billion. At the end of September 2011, Siemens had around 360,000 employees worldwide on the basis of continuing operations.