Piston power and gensets | Tackling the challenges of e-fuels
The energy sector is being driven by the need for decarbonisation and the increasing demand for electricity. This presents challenges for the genset sector, but also opportunities, argues Kelly Cole, General Manager for Electric Power at Finning UK & Ireland
For the genset sector, the pursuit of clean energy is complicated by challenges surrounding e-fuels, particularly in terms of energy efficiency, affordability and infrastructure readiness. E-diesel exemplifies these challenges, as its production involves multiple energy conversion steps, resulting in lower efficiency and higher costs compared to the direct use of renewable electricity.
The infrastructural demands of e-diesel, coupled with the current high production costs and the necessity for renewable hydrogen sources, highlight the intricacies of transitioning to clean energy solutions. The scalability of e-diesel production is further constrained by limited carbon dioxide feedstocks and the need for technology development. Nevertheless, innovations in genset technology, such as advanced control systems, and the creation of microgrid solutions, show
how companies can harness technology to optimise energy distribution, manage loads more efficiently and integrate distributed energy resources. Cat® microgrid technology, for instance, represents a leap forward in creating resilient and sustainable power solutions tailored to user needs. In terms of addressing e-fuel challenges, leveraging advanced technologies is crucial. Catalytic processes and the integration of renewable energy sources, for example, are pivotal for enhancing the efficiency and reducing the costs of e-fuel production. Modular production units offer scalability and flexibility, enabling rapid deployment and adaptation to demand fluctuations, while use of digital twins facilitates infrastructure planning by simulating e-fuel production and distribution networks. This approach supports optimised operations and strategic investment, ensuring infrastructure readiness for e-fuel integration. In addition, harnessing collaborative platforms that unite researchers, industry stakeholders and policymakers can accelerate technological breakthroughs, from improving electrolysis efficiency to developing cost-
effective carbon capture methods. These potential collaborations are essential for advancing e-fuel technologies and ensuring their place in a sustainable energy future. By strategically leveraging these technological innovations, the electric power sector can address the challenges of e-fuels.
The integration of renewable energy sources into power systems is no longer a choice but a necessity. As we prioritise low-emission technologies and fuels, the role of advanced combustion technologies and emission control systems becomes increasingly important. To remain competitive and environmentally responsible, the genset sector must adopt a multifaceted approach. This involves optimising power usage, understanding energy demands, and preventing equipment oversizing. Tackling e-fuel challenges also requires focused research and development efforts. E-fuels, particularly e-diesel, hold immense potential for shaping a sustainable energy future. Despite production complexities, solutions are available. As we work towards a sustainable energy sector, the journey may be challenging, but we can get there.
Bergen’s microgrid “eliminates UPS and standby generators in data centres”
Bergen Engines showcased its Power of 10 microgrid power solution for data centres at the recent Microgrid Knowledge 2024 Conference in Baltimore MD.
As conventional power grids struggle to keep up with burgeoning AI demand, the event highlighted the pressing need for independent power generation.
The Power of 10 is a modular independent power solution comprising multiples of hydrogen-
convertible gas-fired 10 MW Bergen/Marelli medium-speed generating sets, incorporating Piller Integrated Power Conditioning & Stabilization (IPCS) technology, which “eliminates the need for UPS and backup generators,” says Bergen. Bergen, Piller, and Marelli are all part of Langley Holdings. “Infinitely scalable”, the Power of 10 enables data centre operators to grow their microgrids in 10 MW modules as demand increases.
Bergen Engines reports that it has recently been
awarded contracts by Oben Group Holdings to supply 9 MW B35:40V20 gensets to manufacturing plants in Lima, Peru and Barranquilla, Colombia, two gensets per plant.
Together with its EPC partner Sampol Ingeniería y Obras, Bergen is also supplying a new propane fuelled 25 MW power plant to Roatán Electric Company to provide power to Roatán Island, Honduras. It will employ three B36:45V20 gensets, to be operated in baseload mode.
Continuing role for gas in the UK
Wärtsilä is supplying a 48 MW peaking power plant to support the growing use of renewables in the United Kingdom. The plant is under construction and is being delivered under an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract with Centrica Distributed Generation Ltd.
When completed, the plant will provide essential grid balancing power generation alongside an existing 49 MW peaking plant in Brigg, Lincolnshire. This will create nearly 100 MW of fast response assets capable of meeting demand when renewable generation is insufficient. The new plant will employ four Wärtsilä 31SG gas engines. These fast-starting machines can reach full output within as little as
2.5 minutes with no minimum up or down time, thus making them ideal for compensating the intermittent supply from wind and solar power. Chris O’Shea, group chief executive of Centrica, said: “While the UK has made amazing progress towards a renewable energy future, gas plays an essential role in ensuring homes and businesses have access to a reliable electricity supply when the wind doesn’t blow and the sun doesn’t shine. So, we’re delighted to be expanding the Brigg energy park to help balance the increasing renewables on the grid.”
The new plant is expected to be fully operational in early 2025.
“The Wärtsilä 31 engine platform is renowned for its high efficiency, and the engines are
14 | June 2024|
www.modernpowersystems.com
Wärtsilä 31SG gas engine
already able to run on a hydrogen blend. In the future our engines can be converted to run on sustainable fuels once they become widely available,” commented Kenneth Engblom, Vice President Africa & Europe at Wärtsilä Energy.
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