The companies stated that the partnership will introduce a completely new concept to the power market built around the recently introduced Wärtsilä Modular Block 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. This redeployable power generation solution is designed to enable new business and financing models, such as power as a service or rentals.

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.

The use of Wärtsilä's medium-speed engines introduces an efficiency dimension to the temporary power market. This could result in major savings in fuel consumption and operating costs, while harmful greenhouse gas emissions are considerably reduced. Furthermore, the Wärtsilä Modular Block is easy to integrate with renewable energy and storage systems.

Wärtsilä stated that it is ideal for providing grid stability and balancing when integrating more intermittent renewable energy sources. The engines can run on natural gas, as well as biofuel for a fully sustainable solution.

"We are delighted to be partnering with Aggreko to enter this rapidly growing market," said Jean Nabb, director, strategic partnerships at Wärtsilä Energy Business. "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 100MW."

Stephane Le Corre, strategy and commercial development director at Aggreko, commented: "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 5-10 year duration, with its ability to achieve high levels of efficiency, while still being redeployable."

Under the agreement, Wärtsilä will provide the technology and design for the core power generation equipment with Aggreko incorporating Wärtsilä's Modular Block enclosure and power generation within its Rental/Power Solutions sales offering.