Uploaded August 2021 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
Due to the growing share of the renewables a power system needs new contemporary means to keep it balanced. Reciprocating gas power generation is the most efficient source of flexibility in a power system. However, within gas technologies balancers and peakers should be distinguished. Balancers which are represented by internal combustion engines are the new type of capacity designed exactly for balancing the renewables. Peakers equipped with open cycle gas turbines have been traditionally functioning as reserve power and used on rare occasions, hence, their lower fuel efficiency and less flexibility did not matter before. What is the difference between peakers and balancers? And why gas engine power plants are an attractive technology for investments that meets current challenges and will be efficient on the way to 100% renewables?
Wärtsilä is a global leader in smart technologies and complete lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. By emphasizing sustainable innovation, total efficiency and data analytics, Wärtsilä maximizes the environmental and economic performance of the vessels and power plants of its customers. Visit us at wartsila.com/energy
Due to the growing share of the renewables a power system needs new contemporary means to keep it balanced. Reciprocating gas power generation is the most efficient source of flexibility in a power system. However, within gas technologies balancers and peakers should be distinguished. Balancers which are represented by internal combustion engines are the new type of capacity designed exactly for balancing the renewables. Peakers equipped with open cycle gas turbines have been traditionally functioning as reserve power and used on rare occasions, hence, their lower fuel efficiency and less flexibility did not matter before. What is the difference between peakers and balancers? And why gas engine power plants are an attractive technology for investments that meets current challenges and will be efficient on the way to 100% renewables?
Wärtsilä is a global leader in smart technologies and complete lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. By emphasizing sustainable innovation, total efficiency and data analytics, Wärtsilä maximizes the environmental and economic performance of the vessels and power plants of its customers. Visit us at wartsila.com/energy
