Rolls-Royce's mtu: Procurement's Sustainable Future
As global industries accelerate toward a low-carbon future, Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG is delivering sustainable and innovative power solutions through its flagship mtu brand.
mtu's sustainable energy technologies
Headquartered in Friedrichshafen, Germany, mtu is becoming synonymous with smart, clean energy systems for transport, industry and critical infrastructure.
This transformation is visible at the Port of Duisburg, where mtu's systems are steering the world's largest inland port toward full CO₂-neutrality.
"As the need for energy continues to grow, so does the need to produce it in a responsible manner," says Tobias Ostermaier, President Business Unit, Stationary Power Solutions.
"With our mtu technologies, we are empowering our customers to meet their energy needs with resilience and sustainability in mind. We recently launched our first 100% hydrogen fueled gas gensets. They are an integral part to enable a completely CO₂-neutral port terminal.
"With this example and many others we are one of the driving forces to actively shape the energy transition with innovative ideas, a high level of expertise and, above all, a great deal of passion."
Decarbonisation with mtu solutions
mtu, as part of Rolls-Royce, leads in high-speed engines and propulsion systems used across marine, rail and industrial sectors. Its technology stack includes:
- Diesel and gas engines: designed for efficiency and emissions standards.
- Hybrid systems: integrating batteries to reduce fossil fuel reliance, especially in ships and trains.
- Fuel cell and hydrogen engines: providing climate-neutral alternatives with a focus on hydrogen infrastructure for energy supply starting in 2025.
- Microgrids and battery storage: enabling facilities to optimise renewable energy use and ensure reliable, decarbonised operations.
To meet climate goals, mtu technologies are engineered for sustainable fuel compatibility and lifecycle environmental impact optimisation.
Procurement at the Port of Duisburg
The Port of Duisburg is transforming into a showcase for CO₂-neutral operations through a collaboration between Rolls-Royce's mtu division and port authorities.
The heart of this initiative is an intelligent, decentralised energy system involving:
- Hydrogen Fuel Cells: providing peak-load electricity using renewable hydrogen.
- mtu Hydrogen Cogeneration Plants: supplying heat and electricity for terminal operations.
- Photovoltaic Solar Arrays: generating a share of onsite electricity.
- mtu EnergyPack Battery Storage: balancing supply and demand with renewable energy storage solutions.
- Smart Microgrid Control: optimising technology interaction to minimise the carbon footprint.
These systems are digitally managed with real-time monitoring for peak efficiency and environmental performance.
“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% hydrogen or a hydrogen blend,” explains Michael Stipa, Vice President Business Development and Product Management for Stationary Energy Solutions at Rolls-Royce.
Global procurement and sustainability commitments
Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG is aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals by committing to climate action, responsible production through engine remanufacturing and innovation in energy solutions.
The company pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions of new products by 35% by 2030 (from a 2019 baseline). This commitment reflects a strategic focus for procurement professionals in acquiring technologies that drive sector-wide sustainability.
