Aggreko develops ultra-efficient engine

Aggreko has unveiled a new ultra-efficient 1MW engine, in a move that sees the company developing its own engine technology for the first time.

Developed in conjunction with engineering and technology consultancy Ricardo, and with the support of engine manufacturer Cummins, the G3+ is the product of a three–year, £6 million development programme.

The development team was charged with creating the world’s most efficient 1 MW diesel engine for utility power; one that could also run on Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO); and one that could also be retrofitted into Aggreko’s existing fleet of 4500 gensets.



The result is the G3+, an upgrade on the existing G3 engines that currently power the majority of Aggreko’s fleet. The new engine produces 14% more power at 12% lower cost per MW than a standard G3 engine.

The G3+HFO variant is the first of its kind that can run on HFO. This produces power at around half the cost in terms of $/MW than traditional diesel alternatives.


Rupert Soames, chief executive, said, “The G3+ engine sets new industry standards in terms of output and cost efficiency and puts us in an even stronger position with customers.

"Meanwhile the HFO variant means that Aggreko is the only temporary power provider in the world that can offer customers a full range of fuels – diesel, gas or HFO, at prices that compare increasingly favourably to those of permanent power.”



Aggreko has received its first HFO order, for a 56 MW installation in the Caribbean.

The new G3+ engine is being retrofitted to Aggreko’s existing units during the standard 25000-hour service.