Image courtesy Rolls-Royce mtu
Rolls-Royce, in a consortium with Flexpowernet, has been awarded a contract by Dutch grid operator Stedin to supply 24 containerised mobile mtu gas gensets, which will be deployed flexibly in the province of Utrecht to stabilise the power grid.
The units, with a total output of 60MW, are to be deployed from the third quarter of 2026.
According to Rolls-Royce in a release, the project is being driven by the rapid expansion of renewable energies and growing demand for electricity from clean technologies, such as electric vehicles and electric heating systems.
These developments are posing new challenges for distribution networks across Europe. In the Utrecht region in particular, Stedin expects a sharp rise in grid load from 2026 onwards, with a predicted bottleneck of up to 250MW, says Rolls-Royce.
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According to the German company, the use of their gensets marks a first in the Netherlands, where the grid operator is at particular locations relying on mobile, decentralised power generation to ensure security of supply.
The 20-cylinder mtu gas gensets of the Series 4000 L64 FNER are bundled into six identical units, each with a capacity of 10MW. With 60MW, around 60,000 households can be supplied with power.
The power generators are modular in design, housed in containers and installed free-standing on foundations. If necessary, they can be moved in modular blocks to new locations within the Netherlands. This allows them to be operated specifically where grid support is most urgently needed and when energy demand is extremely high – such as in the cold winter months.
Commenting in a release was Niels Steigstra, managing director Rolls-Royce Solutions Benelux: “With our flexible and relocatable units, we offer fast and adaptable solutions for grid stabilisation—an essential component for a successful energy transition.”
Rolls-Royce is also responsible for the complete implementation of the EPC scope (engineering, procurement, construction) – including civil engineering work, a building for the 10kV grid connection, the containerised generator sets, and all electrical installations, including control technology.
The gensets will be operated by Flexpowernet. They are initially intended for temporary use until 2036, while the expansion of the local power grid is being pushed ahead in parallel. Installation and commissioning are scheduled for the middle of next year.
Rolls-Royce has also been commissioned to provide maintenance and a ten-year availability guarantee.
