Rolls-Royce and Duisburger Hafen AG have opened a CO2-neutral and self-sufficient energy system for the new Duisburg Gateway Terminal, located in the Rhine-Ruhr industrial region of Germany. The core components are two mtu combined heat and power units designed for operation with 100 percent hydrogen, which are being used here for the first time worldwide. The system is supplemented by an mtu battery storage system, mtu fuel cell systems and a photovoltaic system integrated via an intelligent energy management system.
The Enerport II flagship project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, is setting new standards for sustainable energy supply in large logistics centers and is considered a model for other ports, infrastructure projects and industrial facilities. Project partners include the Fraunhofer Institute UMSICHT, Westenergie Netzservice GmbH, Netze Duisburg GmbH, Stadtwerke Duisburg AG, and Stadtwerke Duisburg Energiehandel GmbH.
“The launch of this carbon-neutral energy system at the Duisburg Gateway Terminal is a big step toward a more climate-friendly, resilient energy supply. Together with our partner duisport, we're showing how scalable technologies from Rolls-Royce can really help transform critical infrastructure - and help make the energy transition happen,” said Dr. Jörg Stratmann, CEO of Rolls-Royce Power Systems.
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“Sustainability is an integral part of our corporate strategy that compels us to act responsibly and with a view to the future. With this self-sufficient and CO2-neutral energy system, we also have a clear competitive advantage,” explained Markus Bangen, CEO of Duisburger Hafen AG.
Part of the energy for the new Duisburg Gateway Terminal, which covers an area equivalent to 33 soccer fields in the Port of Duisburg, is supplied by a 1.3 MWp photovoltaic system. Surplus electricity is stored in the mtu EnergyPack and then made available when the sun is not shining. This increases the PV system’s own consumption and reduces peak loads. When little or no electricity is produced by photovoltaics, the hydrogen-powered mtu fuel cell systems and mtu hydrogen combined heat and power plants supply CO2-neutral electricity and heat.
An intelligent energy management system links the various energy systems and storage facilities to supply consumers at the terminal, including crane systems, charging stations and shore power. In addition, the future supply of adjacent neighborhoods is also being considered in theory. “Our microgrid is running reliably and shows that it is possible to supply such a large port terminal completely independently with green energy,” explained Alexander Garbar Head of Corporate Development duisport.
Milestone for Rolls-Royce: first 100% hydrogen-powered CHP units in use
With its flagship Enerport project, Rolls-Royce is deploying its first two advanced 12-cylinder mtu Series 4000 gas engines for CO2-neutral energy supply using 100% hydrogen as fuel. In Duisburg, they are demonstrating excellent performance, efficiency and emissions characteristics. Each engine delivers the desired total output of one megawatt. That is only the start: Rolls-Royce is working with five partner companies and research institutes to develop advanced technologies for even more efficient hydrogen combustion engines. These are intended to generate the same electrical energy as currently available natural gas CHP units in the larger output range (up to 2.5 MW).
Reliable and flexible gas engine power plants as the backbone for the energy transition until hydrogen is available
As part of its expansion of renewable energies, the German federal government has decided on a power plant strategy that includes the necessary construction of additional gas-fired power plants. Modular gas-fired power plants and smaller, decentralized, gas engine plants are especially flexible and can compensate for fluctuations in wind and solar power feed-in to the grid and contribute efficiently to ensuring security of supply. In many places in Europe, mtu gas engines from Rolls-Royce already ensure reliable power and heat supply. In the UK, a fleet of more than 500 mtu gas gensets is already supporting the British energy transition. “As soon as sufficient green hydrogen is available, mtu gas engines, such as those in Duisburg, can also make a significant contribution to reducing CO2 emissions by running on 100 percent hydrogen or a hydrogen blend,” explained Michael Stipa, Vice President Business Development and Product Management for Stationary Energy Solutions at Rolls-Royce.
