Technology group Wärtsilä launched on 10 February its next-generation 46TS 23.4 MW engine. It is designed for the balancing of renewable energy, to provide efficient baseload power, and run on sustainable fuels.
The large-bore engine which is said to provide improved output and efficiency, has evolved from a long line of reliable power units, including the W50 platform, a very successful generation unit, having delivered 55 million running hours around the world since 2008.
The company contends that using balancing engines to support intermittent renewables is a more viable path towards a net zero power system than a renewables-only pathway, according to Wärtsilä’s recent power system modelling report, ‘Crossroads to Net Zero’, which detailed the role of balancing power in delivering the energy transition.
The 46TS has been designed with sustainable fuels in mind, to ensure that in the future these engines can play a part in delivering 100% renewable power systems. Wärtsilä says its new unit delivers significantly improved over 51% + engine efficiency, and reduces emissions, with excellent performance in extreme ambient conditions and at high altitudes; that it exhibits greater flexibility with rapid response to fluctuations and a faster ramp-up time (2 minutes) with no minimum up- or down-time requirements; that is can bring about fast installation owing to its modular using factory-tested modules.
The new engine will be available during 2025. In January, Wärtsilä announced the first order; it was placed by Kazakhstan Caspian Offshore Industries, to support KCOI’s new 120 MW power plant, which will be the first hybrid power project of its kind in Kazakhstan, integrating the power plant with wind and solar power.
