Just a day after announcing the launch of its new Modular Block, Wärtsilä has entered into a co-operation agreement with Aggreko to introduce “a completely new concept to the power market” built around the power plant solution.

This pre-fabricated, modular, and expandable enclosure features medium-speed Wärtsilä 32 and 34 family engines which can run on a variety of fuels and, as a re-deployable power generation solution, enables new business and financing models, such as power as a service or rentals, according to Wärtsilä.

“The Wärtsilä Modular Block solution can be installed in a matter of weeks, and can be expanded to accommodate increased energy needs. Similarly, it can be dismantled and relocated to alternative locations as and when required, making it highly suited to temporary power generation,” Wärtsilä said.

Under the agreement, Wärtsilä will provide the technology and design for the core power generation equipment, with Aggreko, a leading provider of mobile modular power, temperature control and energy services, incorporating Wärtsilä’s Modular Block enclosure and power generation within its Rental/Power Solutions sales offering.

According to Wärtsilä, the use of its medium-speed engines in the Modular Block introduces a totally new efficiency dimension to the temporary power market. “This results in major savings in fuel consumption and operating costs, while harmful greenhouse gas emissions are considerably reduced.”

Furthermore, the solution is easy to integrate with renewable energy and storage systems, making it ideal for providing grid stability and balancing when integrating more intermittent renewable energy sources. The medium-size engines can run on natural gas, as well as biofuel for a fully sustainable solution.

Jean Nabb, Director, Strategic Partnerships, Wärtsilä Energy Business, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Aggreko to enter this rapidly growing market. Aggreko is the global leader in mobile, modular power, and the Wärtsilä Modular Block solution opens up exciting new opportunities both for stationary and temporary electricity generation of up to 100 MW.”

Stephane Le Corre, Strategy and Commercial Development Director, Aggreko, said: “We recognise the growing market for distributed generation, and the increasing need for new thermal power solutions that are cost-comparable with permanent generation. We see a number of potential applications for Wärtsilä’s Modular Block on projects of typically five-to-10 year duration, with its ability to achieve high levels of efficiency, while still being re-deployable.”