Wärtsilä unveils 46TS engine for efficient baseload power, balancing renewables and ready for future sustainable fuels.

Finnish company Wärtsilä has launched its next-generation large-bore 46TS engine, designed to complement renewable energy sources by providing efficient baseload power.

The engine is future-proof, with the capability to run on sustainable fuels when they become widely available. It will enhance power plant efficiency and competitiveness.

The launch follows the success of the Wärtsilä 50 engine platform, which has accumulated 55 million running hours globally since 2008.

Kazakhstan Caspian Offshore Industries (KCOI) placed the first order for the 46TS engines last month. The engines will be a part of KCOI’s new 120MW power plant – Kazakhstan’s first hybrid power project that integrates engine power with wind and solar energy.

The Wärtsilä 46TS engine offers several advantages for power producers. Its efficiency has been significantly enhanced, exceeding 51%, which translates to fuel savings and reduced emissions.

The engine’s output of 23.4MW per unit allows for fewer engines to meet the demands of large power plants.

Its flexibility is demonstrated by a rapid response to power fluctuations, with a fast ramp-up time of just two minutes and no restrictions on up or down-time.

Wärtsilä Energy president Anders Lindberg stated: “The energy transition cannot be achieved by renewable power alone – we need flexible, highly efficient engines to support wind and solar power during times of low generation.

“The flexible 46TS engine offers exactly that, expanding our existing technology offering to balance renewables and operate cost-effectively on baseload power. This engine is built on our 85 years of engine expertise, incorporating everything we have learned to develop our latest and greatest solution.”

Installation of the 46TS is quick and cost-efficient, due to its high-quality, factory-tested modular components. It will be available from 2025 onwards.