Rolls-Royce Series 4000 Gas Gensets Support Electrical Grid in Alberta

Rolls-Royce is delivering 10 mtu Series 4000 L64 FNER natural gas generator sets (gensets) to Collicutt Energy Services for five end-user installations—specifically, distributed energy sites—in Alberta, Canada, with the first site now operational. The genset-equipped installations will dispense electricity into the local grid during peak demand hours, offering continuous power availability for the community and industry.

“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,” said Ryan Krutzfeldt, VP of Operations at Collicutt Energy Services. “Fast-acting power generation is critical to maintaining grid stability. That’s where the mtu Series 4000 gas generator comes in. This technology highlights Alberta’s natural resources and workforce, driving the delivery of clean and reliable energy to the market.”

Collicutt, as the distributor partner and project lead, oversaw the engineering, design, manufacturing, onsite installation, and final commissioning, as well as the initial concept. The company also agreed to provide long-term genset and balance-of-plant maintenance, including 24/7 monitoring at each site.

Series 4000

For the project, mtu gas gensets were an optimal choice due to their power generation cost and extended lifespan with up to 84,000 operating hours before major overhaul. These natural gas-powered units emit fewer air pollutants and CO₂ than alternative energy sources, generating clean power with high efficiency and performance. Rolls-Royce also equipped the L64 FNER with dual-fuel capability for natural gas and hydrogen blending. Using the Series 4000 at each site offers some advantages, such as:

• Environmentally friendly power supplied to the grid
• Cost efficiency over coal- and diesel-produced energy

Series 4000 L64 FNER; image credit: mtu Solutions

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

Project Background

Alberta’s electricity market is structured as a deregulated “energy-only” system, which means that power producers are only compensated for proven electricity production and delivery to the grid. The wholesale electricity price is set each hour, and producers are paid based on the rate at time of supply.

The project uses a plug-and-play system to minimize onsite construction and commissioning timelines. With this project framework, Collicutt aimed to lessen environmental impact, cut general waste, and enhance project efficiency.

Rolls-Royce mtu Propulsion

In September 2024, Rolls-Royce offered the mtu Series 1163 and 8000 large engines, in a power range between 4,800 – 10,000 kW, with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems in compliance with emissions stage IMO III. It allows ship operators to enter the Emission Control Areas, such as the Baltic, North Sea, and offshore North America. Rolls-Royce also approved these models for sustainable fuel operation with HVO.

Compared to previous engines in compliance with IMO II, the new models have exhaust gas aftertreatment with an SCR system as a primary component. The system reduces NOx emissions by 75% over IMO II limits. It is actively controlled, with upstream and downstream emissions continuously measured. Measurement ensures optimum, compliant exhaust gas aftertreatment and minimum dosage of reducing agent.