Rolls-Royce has officially opened a new assembly plant for its mtu Series 2000 engines in Kluftern near Friedrichshafen, Germany. This highlights the continuing role that the internal combustion engine is set to play in the energy transition through the use of sustainable fuels.
The new production facility, which was announced in 2021 and has involved a mid-double-digit million-euro investment in the future of this technology, creates space for assembly and shipping. The assembly of mtu Series 2000 engines will be relocated to Kluftern, enabling the modernisation of the existing assembly halls in Rolls-Royce’s Plant 2 in Friedrichshafen, which will provide long-term production space for the Series 4000 engine. The Kluftern plant currently employs 110 people.
Energy-efficient operation
The new production building has been designed to be highly energy-efficient and climate-friendly. For example, a 1.2 MW-peak photovoltaic system provides green electricity, e-charging columns ensure clean mobility solutions, and an intelligent building control system alongside other equipment measures will ensure energy-efficient operation. With this investment, Rolls-Royce is underlining its commitment to the Power Systems site in Friedrichshafen.
The new production building has been designed to be highly energy-efficient and climate-friendly
Rolls-Royce Power Systems is focusing on the internal combustion engine as an important contribution to the energy transition and has invested a mid-double-digit million euro sum in a new assembly plant in Kluftern near Friedrichshafen. The company has made the site highly energy-efficient and climate-friendly, with a 1.2 MW-peak photovoltaic system, e-charging columns and intelligent building control technology.
Intelligent automation systems
Dr. Jörg Stratmann, CEO, Rolls-Royce Power Systems, said: “Our investments are a clear commitment to the region and to our products and solutions, which are important building blocks of the energy transition in various application areas. We are convinced that, in conjunction with sustainable fuels and new technologies, the internal combustion engine will play a central role in the future. Because it's the fuel that matters, not the engine.”
Rolls-Royce is focusing on developing engines that can run on a wide range of sustainable fuels, replacing fossil fuels and significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions. In addition, the company has already launched hybrid systems for rail, shipping and energy, as well as intelligent automation systems.
Emergency power generators
At the new Rolls-Royce plant in Kluftern, employees produce mtu engines of the proven Series 2000
This will enable them to provide climate-friendly propulsion technologies in the future for applications from commercial ships, yachts, land and rail vehicles to energy systems where complete electrification is not an optimal solution in the long-term. At the new Rolls-Royce plant in Kluftern, employees produce mtu engines of the proven Series 2000, which are used worldwide as propulsion and energy systems for yachts, ferries, tugs, wind farm supply vessels, mining vehicles and emergency power generators.
Renewable diesel (HVO/hydrogenated vegetable oil) is an important step on the road to decarbonisation. Many mtu engines from Rolls-Royce have already been released for use with this sustainable fuel. HVO enables up to 90 percent CO2 reduction as well as reducing particulate and nitrogen oxide emissions. It can be produced on an industrial scale from hydrogenated vegetable oil and waste materials from the catering and food industries.
Political framework conditions
Jörg Stratmann explained: "We are doing everything we can to make the internal combustion engine climate-neutral with sustainable fuels and in combination with new technologies. But this can only be achieved if the political framework conditions are set so that alternative fuels can be successfully ramped up."
Dr. Jörg Stratmann, CEO of Rolls-Royce Power Systems, explained on the occasion of the official opening of the new assembly plant for mtu series 2000 engines in Kluftern that this investment is a clear commitment to the region and to mtu products and solutions as important building blocks of the energy transition.
