Rolls-Royce expands battery container production

• Business Unit Power Systems expands production capacities in Ruhstorf (Bavaria) for complete energy storage solutions for microgrids
• Production start-up in Siemens Technology Park in first quarter of 2021

The Rolls-Royce's business unit Power Systems is increasing its capacities for producing battery containers. From 2021 the mtu EnergyPacks, as they are called, are to be manufactured in the Siemens-Technopark in Ruhstorf, Bavaria, where Rolls-Royce already has a production site. The tenancy agreement has just been signed.

The expansion of the production site is to form part of Rolls-Royce's new Microgrid Solutions division, established by Rolls-Royce at the beginning of the year when it acquired a majority stake in the Berlin-based energy storage specialist Qinous, now operating under the name Rolls-Royce Solutions Berlin. Microgrids are smart local power networks that combine power generated from renewables such as solar and wind energy with conventional power generation and storage batteries. Currently, most mtu EnergyPacks are produced in Ruhstorf at Rolls-Royce subsidiary mtu Onsite Energy Systems, whose main specialty is series production of large mtu-brand electrical gensets.

“We see growing demand for mtu EnergyPacks, since more and more customers are seeking on-site power generation solutions that use renewables. But when you use solar or wind power to generate electricity, you often need an interim solution for storage until it is actually consumed,” said Cordelia Thielitz, Vice President of the Microgrid Solutions division.

“To respond to the importance that microgrids are assuming as a young but highly promising line of business, we're setting up a new production facility just for our battery containers,” said Dr Armin Funck, general manager of mtu Onsite Energy in Ruhstorf. The plan is for the three former factory halls of Siemens AG to be rebuilt, following which the fitting of battery modules to several 40-ft containers simultaneously, with subsequent testing, is to be possible from early 2021.   The facilities will also include a showroom for customers, a warehouse, offices and adjoining rooms.

There is a lot more to an mtu EnergyPack than just a series of battery modules in a container. Besides li-ion batteries, the container houses an electronic control unit, transformers, and cooling equipment. In other words, it constitutes a complete and integral energy storage solution. mtu EnergyPacks are already in service around the world – close to home in eastern Germany for example, where they store the electrical power produced by solar parks, as well as further afield in Costa Rica or the Seychelles.

“We're delighted to have a renowned high-tech pioneer like Rolls-Royce join us in our Technopark,” said Stefan Florenz, head of Siemens Technopark Ruhstorf. “With its forward-looking battery technology, our new tenant will be a real asset to the park in the field of energy technology and systems. With Rolls-Royce here on site, both of us stand to gain from the creation of synergies and a strong trust-based partnership.”

About Rolls-Royce Holdings plc

1. Rolls-Royce pioneers cutting-edge technologies that deliver clean, safe and competitive solutions to meet our planet’s vital power needs.
2. Rolls-Royce Power Systems is headquartered in Friedrichshafen in southern Germany and employs more than 10,000 people. The product portfolio includes mtu-brand high-speed engines and propulsion systems for ships, power generation, heavy land, rail and defence vehicles and for the oil and gas industry as well as diesel and gas systems and battery containers for mission critical, standby and continuous power, combined generation of heat and power, and microgrids. Medium-speed engines from Bergen power ships and power generation applications
3. Rolls-Royce has customers in more than 150 countries, comprising more than 400 airlines and leasing customers, 160 armed forces, 70 navies, and more than 5,000 power and nuclear customers.
4. Annual underlying revenue was £15.45 billion in 2019, around half of which came from the provision of aftermarket services.
5. In 2019, Rolls-Royce invested £1.46 billion on research and development. We also support a global network of 29 University Technology Centres, which position Rolls-Royce engineers at the forefront of scientific research.