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VISTORBELITUNG.COM,In a significant move highlighting a geopolitical and technological shift, Iran has begun shipping MGT-70 gas turbines to Russia. The agreement, which covers a total of 40 units, is intended to replace German-made turbines, particularly from Siemens, which are no longer available to Russia due to international sanctions. This collaboration marks a new chapter in energy and technological relations between the two countries, demonstrating Iran's capability to produce sophisticated equipment despite being under heavy sanctions.
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, many Western companies, including the German industrial giant Siemens, halted their supply and services in Russia. This created a significant gap in Russia's energy infrastructure, especially in the maintenance and procurement of gas turbines vital for power generation. Gas turbines are key components in power plants, both in simple and combined cycle configurations, and are essential for maintaining a stable electricity supply.
Russia's dependence on foreign technology, particularly from Siemens, became a vulnerability exploited by the sanctions. Although Moscow has tried to develop domestic turbine production, progress has been slow, leading the country to seek other alternatives to meet its energy needs.
On the other hand, Iran has spent decades developing its domestic industry under U.S. and international sanctions. This has pushed the country to achieve self-sufficiency in various sectors, including the power industry. Iran's leading energy company, MAPNA Group, has become a key player in the indigenization of gas turbine technology.
The MGT-70 gas turbine, manufactured by MAPNA, is a result of these efforts. This turbine has several superior features that make it an attractive alternative for Russia:
High Power Output: The MGT-70 has a power output of 185 megawatts (MW) in a simple-cycle configuration and can reach approximately 330 MW in a combined-cycle setup. This figure exceeds the output of Siemens' V94.2 turbines, which are often used in Russia and have an output of 157 MW.
Improved Efficiency: The MGT-70's efficiency reaches 36.4% in a simple cycle, which is also a significant improvement over its predecessors.
Fuel Flexibility: The turbine can operate on natural gas, diesel, or a hydrogen mix, providing great operational flexibility.
Robust Design: The MGT-70 features two large silo-type combustion chambers with eight hybrid burners per chamber, allowing it to operate under various conditions while keeping nitrogen oxide (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions low.
In addition to the turbines, the agreement also includes the export of generators, electrical systems, and repair services, demonstrating a comprehensive package offered by Iran to help Russia address its energy supply issues.
This deal has broad implications for both countries and global geopolitical dynamics:
• Strengthened Bilateral Relations: This further solidifies the strategic partnership between Iran and Russia, both of whom face Western sanctions. This cooperation is not limited to the energy sector but also includes military and nuclear fields.
• Iran's Technological Independence: Iran's success in exporting advanced technology like gas turbines confirms that its indigenization efforts have been successful, providing national pride and opportunities to enter broader international markets.
• Economic and Energy Impact in Russia: The supply of these turbines allows Russia to maintain and even increase its power generation capacity, mitigating the negative effects of sanctions on its energy sector. It also shows Russia's ability to find alternative sources to meet its vital industrial needs.
• Shift in Technology Trade: This event shows how sanctions can inadvertently create new markets and push sanctioned countries to forge unexpected partnerships. This could reshape the global technology trade landscape in the future.
Overall, the export of MGT-70 gas turbines from Iran to Russia is more than just a commercial transaction. It is a powerful political statement about a deepening alliance and growing technological capability, with the potential to reshape the balance of power in the global energy market.