Netherlands uses mtu gas gensets from Rolls-Royce to counter grid bottlenecks
Posted on August 29, 2025
- A first for the Netherlands: Mobile power generators will stabilize the overloaded grid in the Utrecht region starting in winter 2026
- 24 mtu gas gensets deliver a total output of 60 megawatts
- Rolls-Royce to provide EPC, maintenance, and availability guarantee for ten years
Rolls-Royce, in a consortium with Flexpowernet, has been awarded a contract by Dutch grid operator Stedin to supply 24 containerized mobile mtu gas gensets. The units, with a total output of 60 megawatts, are to be deployed flexibly in the province of Utrecht from the third quarter 2026 to stabilize the power supply.
The project is being driven by the rapid expansion of renewable energies and growing demand for electricity from e.g. 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 250 megawatts. As a first in the Netherlands, the grid operator is at particular locations relying on mobile, decentralized power generation to ensure security of supply.
Stedin's regional director Warmold ten Zijthoff said: “We are convinced that Rolls-Royce is an experienced supplier of mobile gas-powered power generation systems that will enable us to implement this new flexible solution in this highly critical power supply situation.”
The 20-cylinder mtu gas gensets of the Series 4000 L64 FNER are bundled into six identical units, each with a capacity of ten megawatts. With 60 MW, 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.
“With our flexible and relocatable units, we offer fast and adaptable solutions for grid stabilization—an essential component for a successful energy transition,” said Niels Steigstra, Managing Director Rolls-Royce Solutions Benelux.
Rolls-Royce is also responsible for the complete implementation of the EPC scope (engineering, procurement, construction) – including civil engineering work, a building for the 10 kV grid connection, the containerized generator sets themselves, 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 mid of next year. Rolls-Royce has also been commissioned to provide maintenance and a ten-year availability guarantee.
About Rolls-Royce Holdings plc
- Rolls-Royce is a force for progress; powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere. Our products and service packages help our customers meet the growing need for power across multiple industries; enable governments to equip their armed forces with the power required to protect their citizens; and connect people, societies, cultures and economies together.
- Rolls-Royce has a local presence in 48 countries and customers in over a hundred more, including airlines and aircraft leasing companies, armed forces and navies, and marine and industrial customers.
- Through our multi-year transformation programme, we are building a high-performing, competitive, resilient and growing Rolls-Royce. We are building the financial capacity and agility to allow us to successfully develop and deliver the products that will support our customers through the energy transition.
- Annual underlying revenue was £17.8 billion in 2024, and underlying operating profit was £2.46 billion.
- Rolls-Royce Holdings plc is a publicly traded company (LSE: RR., ADR: RYCEY, LEI: 213800EC7997ZBLZJH69)5.
- Rolls-Royce Power Systems is headquartered in Friedrichshafen in southern Germany and employs more than 10,350 people. The product portfolio includes mtu-brand high-speed engines and propulsion systems for ships, heavy land, rail and defence vehicles and for the oil and gas industry. The portfolio also includes diesel and gas systems and battery containers for mission critical, standby and continuous power, combined generation of heat and power, and microgrids. With its climate friendly technologies, Rolls-Royce Power Systems is helping to drive the energy transition.
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