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A powerful combination

Posted on January 24, 2025

Rolls-Royce selected to provide integrated mtu microgrid solution for a new UK logistics park
Executive summary

What

mtu microgrid solution, combining CHP plants, generator sets, battery energy storage systems and controls

Where

Biggleswade, United Kingdom

Why

Capability to deliver efficient, climate-friendly power and heat, augmenting local grid supply

Main benefits

Reliability, sustainability and cost optimization

Microgrid built for resiliency and sustainability.

Rolls-Royce has been selected by BasePower Ltd to supply three mtu Series 4000 L64FNER CHP plants, two mtu EnergyPack battery containers and two mtu Series 2000 standby generators, along with complete microgrid controls, for a new logistics park in the United Kingdom.

A blueprint for the future

The new 2MW energy centre at Symmetry Park Biggleswade is the result of a joint enterprise project between Tritax Symmetry and energy services developer BasePower and will provide clients at the Logistics Park in Biggleswade with reliable, greener, cost-effective power solutions. It will augment the grid with renewable and resilient power generation from several sources, including rooftop solar photovoltaics (PV), batteries and a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant. The efficient solution is the result of extensive collaboration with BasePower, from conceptual design through to implementation.  

Tom Leeming, Development Director at Tritax Symmetry commented: “One of the priorities our clients have when deciding on a new location for their business is power. As a responsible developer, we realised the need to supplement and enhance the national grid supply to ensure continual, robust, and greener alternative power supply for our occupiers. The installation of energy centres on our parks will provide tenants at the site with greater resilience, more competitive energy, and a pathway to fully net zero carbon emissions. We estimate savings of between five and ten percent on grid energy bills and the energy centres are also upgradeable if extra power is needed, such as by adding additional PV.”

Andreas Görtz, President of Sustainable Power Solutions, Rolls-Royce said: “We are thrilled to be the power solution provider of choice for this sustainable project. The mtu microgrid for the Biggleswade energy centre is a great example of our transformation into an integrated sustainable solutions provider and will undoubtedly be a blueprint for further microgrid projects all over the world. This project serves as another example of how we are contributing to the net zero energy transition. It is in line with our sustainability program, which is realigning the product portfolio of Power Systems towards more sustainable fuels and new technologies that can further reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

1 mtu Series 4000 L64FNER CHP system
2 mtu EnergyPack QL
3 mtu Series 2000 standby generator set
4 mtu microgrid controller

Integrated solution ensures stable and renewable power.

The mtu microgrid solution at Symmetry Park Biggleswade works in parallel to the grid. It is designed to supply efficient, climate-friendly electricity and heat from a mix of renewable and traditional power generation sources, and battery storage systems.

Combining forces

The two mtu EnergyPack QL battery storage systems with 2.3 MWh total capacity will store electrical energy to provide a fast, flexible, and carbon-free response to varying load demands and will act as the sole source of power in times of low demand. Three mtu Series 4000L64FNER CHP systems will provide the main power source with 3 MW total power, with the added benefit of being future-ready, as they are capable of being converted to hydrogen power. Two backup 1 MW mtu 16V2000 DS1250 generator sets will ensure power security in the event of an emergency.

All the mtu systems and onsite solar photovoltaics are coordinated via smart mtu microgrid control system consisting of two microgrid controllers operating in duty and standby mode for added resilience. The system handles both the dynamic load and power needs for optimal commercial and technical efficiency. The energy centre operates in parallel with, and supplemental to, the grid supply and can also operate off-grid, if required. With the mtu smart controls, the microgrid provides energy using the best source or combination of sources at any given time.

In addition, the site will be supported with ongoing maintenance and system services by a UK-based team to ensure operational excellence.

Symmetry Park, Biggleswade
Fully integrated mtu microgrid solution is designed to optimize energy cost savings, enhance sustainability and increase power grid independence.

mtu ENERGYPACK

The mtu EnergyPack is a stable, all-in-one solution for improving the reliability and profitability of microgrids and energy systems. It stores electricity from any distributed power source – such as generator sets, wind turbines or solar panels – and delivers it when needed. Available in three sizes: From 200 kVA to 8800 from 313 kWh up to GWh scale solutions, the mtu EnergyPack is the perfect storage solution for a wide range of power and capacity requirements.

Rolls-Royce provides world-class power solutions and complete lifecycle support under our product and solution brand mtu. Through digitalization and electrification, we strive to develop drive and power generation solutions that are even cleaner and smarter and thus provide answers to the challenges posed by the rapidly growing societal demands for energy and mobility. We deliver and service comprehensive, powerful and reliable systems, based on both gas and diesel engines, as well as electrified hybrid systems. These clean and technologically advanced solutions serve our customers in the marine and infrastructure sectors worldwide.

Within its Net Zero at Power Systems program, Rolls-Royce has set out to sustainably reform its product portfolio so that by 2030, new technologies can save 35% of greenhouse gas emissions compared to 2019. This near-term target plays a significant role in Rolls-Royce Group’s ambition to achieve net zero by 2050 at the latest. A key element in achieving these goals is the release of the highest volume mtu engine products and systems to run on sustainable fuels as quickly as possible.

A powerful combination

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