MAN Energy Solutions will supply 16 × MAN 18V51/60 dual-fuel engines with a total generating capacity of 311 MW to three new power plants currently under construction in the Republic of Ireland; two are situated near the capital, Dublin, with the third in the midlands town of Athlone. All three are intended as back-up facilities and designed to compensate for possible fluctuations in the power grid that may arise as a result of the increasing integration of renewable energies.

Martin Höhler, Head of Sales Power Plants, Europe, MAN Energy Solutions, said: “By 2030, the Irish government wants to increase the share of renewable energies in the power supply to 80%. At the same time, it needs sufficient back-up capacity to ensure security of supply at all times of day and year. Our dual-fuel engines are an optimal partner for renewable energies because they can reach full power in a short time and thus respond quickly to any fluctuations in the power grid. Their dual-fuel capability also offers maximum fuel flexibility and reliability.”

SDCL to build 111 MW power plant in Dublin

Powered by 6 × MAN 18V51/60DF engines, the power plant at Dublin's Grange Castle Business Park will feed a total of 111 MW of electrical energy into the Irish grid where it will act as a peak shaver to cover peak loads. The operator is Sustainable Development Capital LLP (SDCL), a global investment company for sustainable and decentralised energy projects.

Greener Ideas Limited to build two 100 MW power plants

Greener Ideas Limited, a joint venture between Mountside Partners Limited and Bord Gáis Energy – a subsidiary of Centrica plc, a private Irish utility – is developing the other two power plants. Each will employ 5 × MAN 18V51/60DF engines to provide 100 MW of electrical energy to the grid as back-up with one plant in Profile Park in Dublin, and the other near Athlone, Co. Roscommon.

MAN PrimeServ, the global after-sales brand of MAN Energy Solutions, will assist in the maintenance and repair of these two power plants. Under a ten-year service contract, MAN PrimeServ will assist the customer with scheduled maintenance work by providing both relevant spare parts and technical support.

In addition, the customer will benefit from MAN’s digital service solution, PrimeServ Assist, with which MAN PrimeServ service experts will monitor engine operation around the clock.

Dr. Michael Filous, Vice President Operation & Maintenance Agreements at MAN PrimeServ, said: “We are pleased that we will continue as partner in the project after the commissioning of the two power plants and look forward to working with plant staff to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the engines. Since these are two back-up power plants, the continuous availability of their engines is especially important and this is exactly what we have focused our maintenance plans on.”