Rolls-Royce powers Duisburg Terminal with world’s first 100% hydrogen CHP energy system. (Image source: mtu solutions)

In a major milestone for sustainable infrastructure, Rolls-Royce and Duisburger Hafen AG have inaugurated a fully CO₂-neutral and self-sufficient energy system at the new Duisburg Gateway Terminal

Officially launched at the beginning of July 2025, this pioneering installation sets a new benchmark for integrated green energy solutions in logistics.

At the core of the system are two mtu combined heat and power (CHP) plants, developed for 100% hydrogen operation and deployed here for the first time globally. Supporting technologies include an mtu battery storage system, mtu hydrogen fuel cells, and a 1.3 MWp photovoltaic (PV) array — all integrated by a sophisticated energy management system.

The installation forms part of the Enerport II lighthouse project, funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy. It is seen as a blueprint for future sustainable energy systems at ports, industrial complexes, and infrastructure facilities. Project collaborators include the Fraunhofer Institute UMSICHT, Westenergie Netzservice GmbH, Netze Duisburg GmbH, Stadtwerke Duisburg AG, and Stadtwerke Duisburg Energiehandel GmbH.

Dr Jörg Stratmann, CEO of Rolls-Royce Power Systems, commented, “The opening of this CO2-neutral energy system at the Duisburg Gateway Terminal is a milestone on the way to a more climate-friendly, resilient energy supply. Together with our partner duisport, we will show how scalable technologies from Rolls-Royce can contribute concretely to the transformation of critical infrastructures and thus also to the implementation of the energy transition.”

Markus Bangen, CEO of Duisburger Hafen AG, emphasised, “Sustainability is an integral part of our corporate strategy and thus obligation to act responsibly and forward-looking. With this self-sufficient and CO2-neutral energy system, we also have a clear competitive advantage.”

Hydrogen-powered port

The intelligent microgrid provides energy for the 33-football-field-sized terminal, supplying crane systems, charging stations, and shore power. When solar output from the PV system exceeds demand, the surplus is stored in the mtu EnergyPack. In periods of low sunlight, mtu hydrogen CHP units and fuel cell systems ensure a stable, emission-free supply.

Alexander Garbar, head of corporate development at Duisport, noted,“Our microgrid runs reliably and shows that it is possible to supply such a large port terminal completely independently with green energy.”

Rolls-Royce’s involvement in the Enerport II project also marks the debut of its newly enhanced 12-cylinder mtu Series 4000 gas engines, now running on 100% hydrogen. Each engine delivers 1MW of output and demonstrates impressive performance, efficiency, and emissions results — continuing the legacy of mtu power systems.

Looking ahead, Rolls-Royce is collaborating with research centres and industry partners to develop next-generation hydrogen combustion engines capable of reaching power levels of up to 2.5MW, matching today’s larger natural gas CHP plants.

“As part of the expansion of renewable energies, the German government has decided to build further gas-fired power plants with the power plant strategy. Modular gas-fired power plants and smaller, decentralized gas engine systems can compensate for the feed of wind and solar power into the grid, which fluctuates depending on the weather, and efficiently contribute to ensuring security of supply. Rolls-Royce mtu gas engines already provide reliable power and heat supply in many places in Europe. In the UK, even a fleet of more than 500 mtu gas units supports the UK energy transition. Once sufficient availability of green hydrogen is ensured, mtu gas units such as in Duisburg can also contribute significantly to CO2 reduction with 100% hydrogen or even with a hydrogen admixture,” remarked Michael Stipa, senior vice-president of business development and product management for stationary energy solutions at Rolls-Royce.

The project showcases how advanced hydrogen-ready technologies, combined with intelligent systems and public-private collaboration, can power industrial progress while supporting global climate goals.

Also read: Transforming utilities: DEWA’s digital roadmap with Microsoft

The project will help reduce emissions in the shipping industry.

Lloyd's Register (LR) has signed an agreement with German developer DAI Infrastruktur GmbH (DAI) to provide advisory services for Project Ra, a large-scale green ammonia production and bunkering development at East Port Said, Egypt

Project Ra is expected to have a production capacity of up to two million tonnes of green ammonia annually (mtpa), with 1.65mn tonnes produced from renewable energy sources, with production scheduled to start in 2029. Located strategically next to the Suez Canal, it offers a critical bunkering hub for ammonia-fuelled vessels navigating one of the world’s busiest shipping routes. It is expected to play a key role in supplying key European ports with green ammonia, for use as bunkering fuel, electricity generation, and reducing CO₂ emissions in industrial processes such as steel production.

The development aligns with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO)  regulations which will require the use of low- and zero-carbon fuels from 2030 onwards.

LR’s advisory services will cover demand-side pricing analyses, infrastructure planning, asset integrity and risk assessments, regulatory guidance, lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions analysis, and market and offtake strategy support. LR will also undertake concept design reviews, feasibility studies and performance benchmarking aligned to ISO 55000.

Panos Mitrou, Global Gas Segment director, Lloyd's Register, said, “Our partnership with DAI demonstrates LR's commitment to supporting the development of critical alternative fuel supply chains that will enable shipowners to navigate the post-MEPC 83 regulatory landscape successfully.

Ioannis Papassavvas, CEO of DAI Infrastruktur, added, “Project Ra represents a critical step in delivering green ammonia at the scale and reliability the maritime sector urgently needs. LR’s advisory support will be vital to ensure Project Ra meets the highest international standards, while aligning with the long-term needs of shipowners and global regulators.”

Thermal storage needs to be scaled in the region. (Image source: AED Energy)

Aed Energy has secured investment from Catalyst, the Masdar City and bp-backed accelerator dedicated to advancing climate technologies across the Middle East and beyond.

This funding will support Aed Energy’s expansion in the region and accelerate the deployment of its long-duration thermal energy storage systems.

As part of the partnership, Aed Energy will establish a branch office in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, reinforcing its commitment to developing decentralised energy, water, and cooling infrastructure across the GCC and wider MENA region.

The new office situates the company within a global centre for clean energy innovation and commercialisation.

Optimised operations

Catalyst, backed by Masdar City and bp, provides a strong platform for scaling practical, impact-driven technologies.

With access to strategic partners and deep regional expertise, Catalyst’s investment will help Aed Energy rapidly deploy its storage systems in markets where stable, dispatchable clean energy is crucial to meeting growing demand.

Aed Energy’s modular thermal batteries store surplus renewable electricity as high-temperature heat and deliver zero-carbon baseload energy on demand.

Suitable for applications in heat, power, and cooling, these MWh-scale systems are designed for reliable, low-maintenance operation.

Their flexibility makes them particularly effective in settings where conventional batteries underperform, including remote grids, heavy industry, and integrated energy–water–cooling systems.

Also read: Johnson Controls Arabia to supply cooling system for Saudi EV facility

DEWA and Microsoft has joined hands together to transform utility sector. (Image source: DEWA)

Following the global digital transformation trend, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and Microsoft have joined hands together to transform utility sector

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO, DEWA had an official meeting with Naim Yazbeck, general manager of Microsoft UAE, to delve into new opportunities for collaboration in digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud computing in the utilities sector.

The main agenda of meeting was how Microsoft’s innovative technologies can advocate DEWA’s innovation-led projects and help achieve its sustainability goals. Both parties discussed improving operational efficiency and building next-generation infrastructure alongwith the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.

Gen AI tools

HE Al Tayer said, “Our collaboration with Microsoft is instrumental in transforming DEWA to become the world’s first AI-native utility, leveraging artificial intelligence across all core operations. By integrating AI and cloud-based solutions, we aim to enhance our renewable energy capabilities, drive operational excellence and provide world-class services in line with Dubai’s vision for sustainability and innovation.”

Yazbeck acknowledging the Microsoft’s support for the UAE’s digital future stated, “Our work with energy leaders like DEWA enables us to co-develop transformative solutions that redefine energy management, advance sustainability goals and build intelligent, resilient infrastructure across Dubai.”

DEWA is already employing Microsoft’s generative AI tools, like the Microsoft Power Platform and the Microsoft 365 Copilot. These have helped DEWA improve internal productivity, service quality, and satisfaction for both customers as well as employees.

DEWA has been an initial investor in AI since 2017 and wasfirst among the utilities globally to adopt Microsoft’s Copilot platform.

This new partnership reflects Dubai’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and technology-driven growth in the energy sector.

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