Rolls-Royce supplies mtu gas generator sets for large distributed energy project in Canada

• Internal combustion engines powered by natural gas provide reliable, low-emissions power for energy transition
• mtu Series 4000 gas gensets support Alberta’s grid during times of peak demand to ensure continuous availability

Rolls-Royce is supplying 10 mtu 20V 4000 L64 FNER gas gensets to its distributor partner Collicutt Energy Services for end user installations in Alberta, Canada. Each site will provide electricity into the grid at times of peak demand ensuring constant availability for the community and industry. The first of the five sites is now online.

The electricity market in Alberta is unique in Canada as it is a for-profit deregulated “energy-only” system that pays power producers for the power they dispatch onto the grid. The wholesale price of electricity is set each hour, and each producer is paid based on the rate at the time of supply, regardless of how that power is produced.

With the mtu Series 4000 natural gas gensets at each site, the power supplied to the grid is both more environmentally friendly and cost-effective than energy produced from other sources such as coal or diesel.

Tobias Ostermaier, President of Stationary Power Solutions, Rolls-Royce, said: “The mtu Series 4000 natural gas gensets are a perfect fit to capitalize on the unique electricity market in Alberta. The high efficiency of the units along with their low emissions make our solution both economically and environmentally attractive.”

Rolls-Royce’s mtu gas gensets were selected for the project based on the related cost of power generation and their long lifespan – offering 84,000 operating hours before major overhaul. Key to the end user’s purchase decision was also the local service support provided by Collicutt Energy Services, Rolls-Royce’s sales and service partner for mtu products in Alberta. Collicutt will provide long term maintenance for the gensets and balance of plant, including 24/7 monitoring at each of the sites.

Producing fewer air pollutants and CO₂ emissions than other energy sources, natural gas-fuelled gensets are a bridging technology toward a zero carbon future. Offering clean power alongside high efficiency and maximum performance, the units are also future ready, offering the ability to run on both natural gas and hydrogen blending.

As the project lead, Collicutt oversaw every phase, from the initial concept through the engineering, design, manufacturing, assisting with the onsite installation, and final commissioning. The project’s design focused on a sophisticated plug-and-play system, significantly reducing onsite construction time and streamlining commissioning. Throughout the process, Collicutt also prioritized minimizing environmental impact and overall waste while enhancing project efficiency.

“As renewable energy sources like solar and wind continue to expand, the stability of the power grid can fluctuate when the sun isn't shining or the wind isn't blowing. Fast-acting power generation is critical to maintaining grid stability,” said Ryan Krutzfeldt, VP of Operations at Collicutt Energy Services. “That’s where the mtu Series 4000 gas generator comes in. This innovative technology highlights Alberta’s abundant natural resources and skilled workforce, driving the delivery of clean and reliable energy to the market.   Projects like these showcase Alberta's capability to lead in sustainable energy solutions.”