The new Perkins 2606 diesel engine offers excellent load acceptance, fuel efficiency and versatility. (image source: Perkins)

Perkins will showcase two new energy-efficient engines delivering dependable prime and standby solutions for the power generation industry at Middle East Energy, taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 7-9 April

The new Perkins 2606 diesel engine offering excellent load acceptance, fuel efficiency and versatility and the Perkins 5012, the latest full-authority electronic 5000 Series engine optimised and purpose built for power generation applications, will take centre stage on the Perkins booth at Middle East Energy in Sheikh Saeed Hall 3, stand S2.A30.

Perkins 2600 Series: a high-performance power solution

Available in the second half of 2025, the new Perkins 2606 diesel engine is optimised and purpose-built for electric power generation applications, offering excellent load acceptance, fuel efficiency and ambient / altitude capability.

Initially available for use in lesser and currently non-regulated territories, this 13-litre, six-cylinder engine delivers a powerful 350–550 kVA for 50 Hz applications and 320–450 kWe for 60 Hz applications and is engineered to meet NFPA110 and ISO G3 standards, with the capabilities of meeting G4.

The 2606 engine provides flexibility by easily switching between 50 and 60 Hz. It is ideally suited to the power demands of critical applications of data centres, hospitals, power plants, commercial, industrial and residential installations among other installations.

Numerous design enhancements result in low fluids consumption and extended oil and fuel filter service intervals as long as 1,000 hours, reducing operating costs and downtime.

The 2606 engine is compatible with renewable liquid fuels such as 100% hydrotreated vegetable oils (HVO), B100 distilled Biodiesel, and up to B100 fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) standard biodiesel by working with your Perkins distributor. Additionally, the engine’s core architecture supports the future development of spark-ignited natural-gas and hydrogen fuel capabilities.

Perkins 5012: optimised for power generation

Delivering 1275–1875 kVA for 50 Hz applications and 1125–1500 kWe for 60 Hz applications the engine features a V12 configuration in a compact package, making it ideal for data centres, hospitals, power plants and other locations where space is limited.

Engineered to meet ISO G3 and NFPA110 standards to handle demanding load acceptance challenges, the 5012 uses a pair of smaller turbochargers on each bank that reduce transient response time when compared with a single large unit. Its exhaust manifolds are engineered to optimise gas flow to the turbochargers, further reducing ramp-up time and enhancing load acceptance.

Built to world-class standards for high efficiency and low fuel consumption, the 5012 60 Hz configuration meets the U.S. EPA Tier 2 Emergency Stationary emission standard. The 50 Hz version is available in noncertified configurations that emits equivalent to Tier 2. The engine uses a unique low-pressure fuel system developed specifically for the 5000 Series that is more tolerant of variations in fuel quality and can run with biodiesel up to B20 based on a 20 percent dilution of biodiesel with standard diesel or on 100% HVO.

Electronically controlled injectors can alter both timing and pressure to accommodate a broad range of ambient temperatures and altitudes without sacrificing performance.

Connectivity and condition monitoring

Perkins is also highlighting its comprehensive connectivity and condition monitoring solutions that provide valuable enhanced insights and support for original equipment manufacturers and end users, enabling them to minimise downtime through faster service response times and an increased first-time fix rate, along with significant cost savings.

Perkins Interlink, a low maintenance cellular telematics device, will be displayed alongside the 5012 engine. The device communicates via cellular networks, relaying a more frequent full suite of health data, which is used to proactively identify issues that may affect operations, enabling a quick response to any events that may occur.

Additionally, to support the wider engine range, Perkins Clarity - an application programming interface (API), is available to share enriched engine data and insights with pre-existing OEM telematics systems.

Full life-cycle support

Perkins will also present its full suite of power generation systems and life cycle support available from the company’s global network of 88 distributors, including Perkins Hypercare, combining customisable agreements for parts and services with comprehensive repair and maintenance plans tailored to equipment buyers’ unique machine lifecycles; and Perkins Platinum Protection, offering extended coverage beyond the standard warranty.

Organised by Informa Markets, MEE 2025 will take place from 7-9 April. (Image source: Middle East Energy)

The 49th edition of Middle East Energy (MEE), a key platform shaping the energy sector in the Middle East and Africa, is set to expand its industry insights by more than doubling its conference tracks, increasing from three to six for 2025.

Organised by Informa Markets, MEE 2025 will take place from 7-9 April at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), bringing together over 150 energy leaders and experts from across the region and beyond to explore innovative solutions and transformative sector advancements.

Newly introduced tracks include the Global Innovation Forum, Africa Business Leaders Forum, IEEE Technical Seminar sessions, and The Battery Show Conference. These will run alongside the well-established MEE Leadership Summit, and the Intersolar and ees Middle East Conference.

"Middle East Energy has always been a catalyst for progress, and our 2025 edition will raise the bar with an unmatched depth of insights and knowledge-sharing opportunities," said Mark Ring, group director, energy events at Informa Markets. "With six dedicated conference tracks and the addition of pivotal new forums, we are offering a comprehensive agenda that will empower stakeholders to navigate the rapidly evolving energy landscape."

Expanding forums to drive economic growth

The newly launched Global Innovation Forum will connect investors, corporate mentors, and energy innovators, providing a platform for emerging technologies, investor networking, and scale-up showcases. The forum will bring together private equity firms, venture capitalists, angel investors, family offices, corporations, and startups focused on energy solutions. Discussions will highlight the critical investments needed to support innovation and accelerate the growth of emerging energy ventures.

Catalina Valentino, group CEO of London-based ELIXR, which is developing ecosystem technologies to tackle urban challenges such as data and energy, will address the forum. She commented, "Our technology is designed to unlock real-time insights which are used to enhance energy performance and urban resilience, ensuring smarter, more sustainable cities for the future like how we are unlocking £1bn of development value in Bolton through data-driven regeneration."

The Africa Business Leaders Forum will bring together regional and global stakeholders to explore investment strategies, financial innovations, and collaborative energy projects between Africa and the Middle East. Discussions will focus on mobilising capital and accelerating energy development across the continent.

The IEEE Technical Sessions will provide a high-level knowledge-sharing environment for industry professionals and academics to discuss power grids, energy storage, and cybersecurity. “We are excited to bring together thought leaders from around the world to facilitate a dynamic exchange between academia and industry, where cutting-edge research meets real-world applications, driving impactful progress in the power and energy sector," said Dr. Yasmin Halawani, chair of IEEE CASS/SSCS/PELS - UAE Section and assistant professor at the College of Engineering and IT, University of Dubai. "Through conferences, workshops, and training sessions, IEEE fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration across different fields and supports the professional development of individuals in both academia and industry. It provides a platform for keeping both communities updated on the latest trends and technologies."

Spotlight on MENA’s EV and battery market

With the launch of The Battery Show & Conference, MEE 2025 will focus on one of the fastest-growing energy sectors—electric mobility and battery storage. The conference will explore emerging technologies, supply chain developments, and investment opportunities in the EV and battery industries.

"Electrification and battery technologies are reshaping the automotive and energy sectors globally. The Battery Show Middle East will provide an unparalleled opportunity for experts and businesses to stay ahead of the curve," said Ken Hoffman, senior advisor to McKinsey—Battery Raw Materials.

Middle East Energy will feature an extensive lineup of speakers, including policymakers, corporate executives, and technical innovators. The agenda will include keynote panels, in-depth technical sessions, and interactive discussions addressing the most pressing energy challenges.

Held under the patronage of the UAE’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, Middle East Energy 2025 will host more than 1,600 exhibitors from over 90 countries, 17 international pavilions, and is expected to attract over 40,000 energy professionals.

This genset sets a new benchmark in reliability. (Image source: Moteurs Baudouin)

Middle East Energy 2025, taking place from 7-9 April this year, is set to be a defining event for Moteurs Baudouin showcasing its most advanced and powerful lineup to date.

In a world premiere, Moteurs Baudouin will introduce the highest-rated genset available for critical backup power, unprecedented power rating exceeding 6 MVA.

For the first time, this groundbreaking solution will be displayed in real size, giving attendees the opportunity to witness firsthand the most formidable power backup system on the market.

Designed for mission-critical applications such as data centers, this genset sets a new benchmark in reliability, ensuring continuous power supply where it matters most.

“This year’s Middle East Energy event is particularly exciting for us,” says Fabrizio Mozzi, CEO of Moteurs Baudouin.

“We are proud to introduce the sheer scale of our capabilities with the largest genset available for critical backup power. We look forward to engaging with industry professionals and demonstrating our commitment to innovation.”

Alongside this major reveal, Baudouin will also showcase its complete Stage V range.

This advanced lineup has been developed to meet the demanding needs of commercial, rental, and industrial applications, offering superior efficiency, reduced emissions, and unmatched performance.

As always, these engines and gensets come packaged with Moteurs Baudouin hallmark qualities: reliability, durability, and best-in-class lead times, ensuring that customers receive industry-leading solutions with speed and efficiency.

Middle East Energy remains a key milestone for Baudouin each year, solidifying its position as a leader in the power sector. The 2025 edition promises to be the most impressive showcase yet, offering unparalleled insights into the future of energy solutions.

To mark this significant occasion, a company launch event is scheduled for the 7th of april at 11:30 AM.

Attendees are invited to witness the latest advancements in power generation and experience firsthand the technology that will shape the industry’s future.

Volvo Penta's BESS is designed for industrial applications. (Image source: Volvo Penta)

Volvo Penta is set to make a significant impact at Middle East Energy (MEE) 2025, where it will showcase its innovative battery energy storage subsystem (BESS) and renewable fuel-compatible combustion engines.

Volvo Penta’s scalable battery energy storage subsystem (BESS) is designed for industrial applications, supporting peak shaving, rapid charging, and discharging.

Its energy-dense design and favourable C-rate make it a transportable solution, complementing gensets as industries transition to electrification.

In hybrid setups, the BESS optimises fuel use and charging cycles, improving uptime and reducing emissions. By integrating with hybrid and fully electric systems, it ensures continuous operations while supporting sustainability goals.

Volvo Penta’s strategy focuses on supplying the BESS subsystem while collaborating with OEMs and system integrators to deliver complete, customised solutions.

This partnership-driven approach accelerates time to market and ensures solutions that meet the specific needs of projects and customers.

Renewable fuel-compatible engines for a greener future

As part of its commitment to sustainable power, Volvo Penta is advancing its combustion engine platform to support alternative and renewable fuels, including natural gas, hydrogen, and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).

All current Volvo Penta engines are certified to operate on HVO, and the company is progressing toward hydrogen-compatible engines.

Field tests are underway for the Stage V D8 dual-fuel engine, which runs on diesel and hydrogen.

This engine is expected to enter the genset market in Europe later in 2025. Stationary applications, with their flexibility in regulatory compliance, offer significant potential for further efficiency improvements and emissions reductions.

Kristian Vekas, product manager at Volvo Penta Industrial, emphasised the importance of collaboration, saying, “Power generation is vital across different industries, and adopting renewable fuel-compatible genset engines can reduce emissions while ensuring reliability. Collaborating with customers, we aim to develop scalable, practical solutions that ease the transition to lower-carbon energy.”