On June 27, Rolls-Royce officially opened a new assembly plant for its mtu-Series 2000 engines in Kluftern near Friedrichshafen, Germany. This highlights the continuing role that the internal combustion engine is set to play in the energy transition through the use of sustainable fuels.
The new production facility, which was announced in 2021 and which has involved a mid-double-digit million-euro investment in the future of this technology, creates space for assembly and shipping. The assembly of mtu-Series 2000 engines will be relocated to Kluftern, enabling the modernisation of the existing assembly halls in Rolls-Royce’s Plant 2 in Friedrichshafen, which will provide long-term production space for the Series 4000 engine. The Kluftern plant currently employs 110 people.
The new production building has been designed to be highly energy-efficient and climate friendly. For example, a 1.2 MW-peak photovoltaic system provides green electricity, e-charging columns ensure clean mobility solutions, and an intelligent building control system alongside other equipment measures will ensure energy-efficient operation. With this investment, Rolls-Royce is underlining its commitment to the Power Systems site in Friedrichshafen.
Rolls-Royce is focusing on developing engines that can run on a wide range of sustainable fuels, replacing fossil fuels and significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions. In addition, the company has already launched hybrid systems for rail, shipping and energy, as well as intelligent automation systems. This will enable us to provide climate-friendly propulsion technologies in the future for applications from commercial ships, yachts, land and rail vehicles to energy systems where complete electrification is not an optimal solution in the long-term.(£1.00 = €1.16 at time of publication)
